Description
Hearty cowboy cornbread casserole brings southern comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of savory ground beef and creamy corn. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, promising warm, satisfying flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) baked beans
- 1 box (8.5 ounces/241 grams) cornbread mix
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place ground beef in a large skillet and cook thoroughly over medium-high temperature, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
- Eliminate excess grease from the skillet, then incorporate baked beans, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices including chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Allow the meat and bean mixture to simmer gently, melding flavors for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Transfer the robust mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
- Distribute shredded cheese generously across the meat layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Prepare cornbread batter according to package instructions, whisking until smooth and free of lumps.
- Carefully pour cornbread mixture over the cheese layer, using a spatula to spread evenly and seal the edges.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown cornbread topping that springs back when lightly touched.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that keeps the hearty flavor and protein.
- Dial down the spices if cooking for kids or those with sensitive palates by reducing chili and smoked paprika amounts.
- Opt for low-fat cheese and lean ground beef to create a lighter, healthier casserole without sacrificing taste.
- Add fresh chopped jalapeños or green chilies on top for an extra kick of heat and exciting flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg