Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe That’s Rustic & Hearty

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty cowboy cornbread casserole that brings bold southwestern flavors to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ground beef mingle with sweet corn kernels and zesty seasonings.

The cornbread topping creates a golden, crispy crown that seals in all the delicious goodness beneath.

Melted cheese stretches between each bite, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Ranch-style spices dance through the casserole, delivering a punch of southwestern charm.

Packed with protein and warmth, this one-pan wonder transforms weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole – Why It’s a Favorite

• Quick Family Feast: Whip up a hearty meal that pleases everyone at the table with minimal effort.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combines classic cowboy-style ground beef with sweet cornbread in one delicious, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable ingredients and creates a filling meal that stretches to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• One-Pan Wonder: Eliminates multiple dish cleanup with a simple skillet-to-oven technique that saves time and reduces kitchen mess.

Ingredients for Cornbread Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the savory foundation of the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Chili Powder: Provides a warm, slightly spicy kick to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a classic, robust flavor enhancement.
• Salt: Helps to balance and intensify the overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, sharp flavor to the meat mixture.

• Corn Kernels: Brings a sweet, fresh element to the casserole.
• Cream-Style Corn: Creates a creamy, rich texture in the base.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty, gooey richness that complements the beef.

• Cornbread Mix: Serves as the golden, fluffy topping for the casserole.
• Eggs: Helps bind the cornbread mixture and provide structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cornbread layer.

How to Make Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Give it a quick spray of cooking oil or rub with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Toss ground beef and diced onions into a skillet.

Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally until the beef is completely cooked and onions turn soft and translucent.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Spice Up the Beef Mixture

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir in corn kernels, cream-style corn, and half the shredded cheese.

Mix everything until well combined.

Step 4: Create the Base Layer

Spread the beef and corn mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a delicious foundation for your casserole.

Step 5: Mix the Cornbread Topping

Prepare the cornbread mix following package instructions.

• Cornbread mix
• Eggs
• Milk

Whisk these ingredients until smooth and lump-free.

Step 6: Top and Finish the Casserole

Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown cornbread top and ensuring the center is fully cooked.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Cut into generous portions and enjoy your hearty cowboy-style meal!

Casserole Tips for Home Cooks

• Pat ground beef with paper towels to remove extra grease, ensuring a crisp and not soggy casserole base.
• Adjust chili powder and garlic powder to your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a bolder taste, or blend cheeses to create a more complex and rich flavor dimension.
• Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, protein-packed meal that's equally delicious.
• Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making mealtime easier and more convenient.

Creative Cowboy Cornbread Variations

• Vegetarian Cornbread Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Southwestern Spice Blend: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap chili powder for taco seasoning to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornbread mix and confirm all ingredients are gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Chicken Cowboy Casserole: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein alternative with similar hearty texture.

Serving Up Cornbread Casserole

• Southwestern Fiesta Plating: Serve the casserole with a colorful side of fresh pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty Mexican-inspired meal.
• Ranch-Style Comfort: Pair with a crisp green salad topped with ranch dressing and some quick-pickled red onions to balance the hearty casserole.
• Rustic Cowboy Spread: Complement the dish with warm buttermilk biscuits, corn on the cob, and a side of tangy coleslaw for a true down-home dining experience.
• Spice Lover's Delight: Offer hot sauce, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado on the side to let diners customize their plate with extra flavor and heat.

Store Cowboy Casserole for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply cook it the same way as ground beef.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The current recipe has mild spice from chili powder. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder amount to suit your taste preference.

• What sides complement this casserole?

Green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with this hearty one-dish meal. A side of sour cream can also enhance the flavor.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread batter separately in advance. Combine and bake just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.

Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cowboy cornbread casserole delivers pure comfort with rich, savory layers of ground beef, corn, and cheesy cornbread goodness. Southern-style warmth welcomes you home with each delicious, homemade spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) cream-style corn
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 packet cornbread mix
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) milk

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for effortless release.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat until meat browns and onions turn translucent, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
3. Enhance the meat mixture with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Incorporate whole and cream-style corn kernels into the seasoned meat, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Fold half the shredded cheese into the meat and corn mixture, ensuring a consistent blend of textures and flavors.
6. Transfer the hearty meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
7. Prepare cornbread batter by combining mix with eggs and milk according to package instructions, whisking until smooth.
8. Gently pour cornbread batter over the meat mixture, covering the entire surface completely.
9. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty finish.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cornbread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, enabling flavors to settle and making cutting easier.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeños for extra kick.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cornbread mix and checking ingredient labels carefully.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh chopped cilantro or green onions as a garnish before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 371 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg