Description
Cornbread Taco Bake brings together two classic favorites in one hearty dish that makes dinner feel like a warm family gathering. Layers of seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and melted cheese nestle perfectly between golden cornbread, creating a comforting meal your whole table will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
Base Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) corn kernels
- 1 can (10 oz / 284 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Cornbread and Cheese:
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 box (8.5 oz / 240 g) cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Brown 1 pound (450 g) ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat completely.
- Stir 2 tablespoons taco seasoning and ½ cup water into the meat. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until liquid slightly reduces.
- Add 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) corn kernels, and 1 can (10 oz / 284 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer meat mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
- Prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions, using 1 egg and ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk. Spread batter smoothly over the meat layer.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cornbread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Scatter remaining 1 cup (100 g) cheese over the cornbread. Bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts completely.
- Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 5 minutes. Slice and garnish with desired toppings like sour cream, salsa, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- Ground beef can be swapped with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add fresh jalapeños or green chiles to the beef mixture for extra heat and flavor.
- Cornmeal mix works best for a tender, fluffy cornbread topping with consistent texture.
- Customize toppings like sour cream, cilantro, salsa, or sliced green onions to make the dish your own style.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 38-44 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg