Easy and Delicious Taco Cornbread Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving bold flavors and ultimate comfort food in one dish, this taco cornbread casserole is about to be your new favorite go-to recipe. Imagine the savory goodness of seasoned taco meat layered with melty cheese, all baked under a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover how easy it is to make this irresistible crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 box cornbread mix
• 1 egg
• 1⁄3 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• Salt to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a touch of oil or nonstick spray for easy cleanup later.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. This builds a flavorful foundation.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Use your wooden spoon to break it up as it browns. If there’s extra grease, you can drain it off carefully.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of water. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This step infuses the meat with all those zesty taco spices.
5. Add black beans and frozen corn. Stir everything together and remove from heat. The corn adds a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spice.
6. Spread the taco mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth it out so the layer is even. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top for a melty, golden layer that brings everything together.
7. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter. Mix the cornbread mix with egg and milk, just until smooth. Do not overmix or it could turn dense. You want light and fluffy.
8. Pour the batter evenly over the meat and cheese layer. Use a spatula to carefully spread it without disturbing the filling underneath.
9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You are looking for golden perfection. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread layer—it should come out clean.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for a pop of freshness. Slice and serve warm. I love it with sour cream or sliced avocado on the side.

Nutrition per serving

Description

Taco cornbread casserole is the perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods. Imagine the heartiness of a classic taco night layered under a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust that’s baked until lightly crisp on the edges and tender in the middle. Each bite delivers the savory punch of seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, melty cheese, and pops of sweet corn, all embraced by the warm hug of fluffy cornbread. It’s like a cozy Southwestern feast baked into one bubbling dish.

This casserole evokes memories of potlucks and family dinners, the kind where the scent of spices and cornbread fill the house with irresistible warmth. It is colorful and cheerful, like a Tex-Mex party on a plate, with bold layers that surprise and satisfy. Whether served on a busy weeknight or as the star of a casual gathering, taco cornbread casserole brings a touch of festive flavor to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a complete meal in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It is also endlessly flexible. You can spice it up with jalapeños, sneak in vegetables like bell peppers, or make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more beans. It is hearty, satisfying, and keeps well for leftovers—perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead dinner.

Taco cornbread casserole is packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, and it delivers deep, satisfying flavor with every forkful. It is comfort food made easy and accessible, with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Serving and Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for extra protection, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed.

For prep ahead, the meat mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The cornbread topping should be mixed fresh just before baking for the best texture.

Course, Cuisine, Keywords

Dinner, Mexican-American, casserole, taco casserole, cornbread taco bake, one-pan meal

Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 1 slice (about one-sixth of the casserole)

For extra flavor, use freshly grated cheddar and try adding chopped green chiles to the batter for a mild kick. Leftovers keep beautifully and are even better the next day.

FAQ

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Taco Cornbread Casserole

Taco cornbread casserole is the perfect marriage of classic taco flavors and a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust. Each bite pairs savory seasoned beef, creamy beans, melty cheese, and pops of corn under a fluffy topping. Family-friendly, festive, and endlessly flexible, it's a one-pan meal everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 435 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 box cornbread mix
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• Salt to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
• Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.
• Add the black beans and corn to the seasoned beef mixture. Remove from heat and stir until combined.
• Pour the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top.
• In a mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread according to package instructions using egg and milk. Stir until just combined.
• Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the meat and cheese layer, spreading gently with a spatula.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.
• Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 24gFat: 24gSodium: 940mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g

Keyword casserole, taco casserole, cornbread taco bake, one-pan meal, Mexican-American, comfort food

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