Greetings, fellow foodies! Look no further than our recipe for Cowboy Cornbread Casserole if you’re searching for a hearty and flavorful dish that will transport your taste senses to the untamed landscapes of the Wild West. This tasty combination of Tex-Mex tastes and traditional comfort food is a hit that will have you craving more. So, grab an apron, saddle up, and follow along as we show you how to make this delicious dish step by step.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cornbread Base:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
For the Cowboy Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat and Prepare:
-
Set your oven’s temperature to 375°F (190°C). A 9×13-inch baking dish should be greased and set aside.
Create the Cornbread Base:
-
Mix the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a sizable bowl.
-
Melted butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk should all be combined in a separate bowl. Well combine until smooth.
-
Stirring occasionally, add the wet mixture little by little to the dry mixture. Watch out not to combine too much.
-
Spread the cornbread mixture evenly after pouring it into the baking dish that has been prepared.
Prepare the Cowboy Filling:
-
The ground beef should be cooked until browned in a pan over medium heat. Remove any extra fat.
-
To the skillet, add the diced bell pepper and chopped onion. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft.
-
Black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are all added after stirring. Cook for a few minutes, until everything is thoroughly blended and cooked.
Assemble and Bake:
-
Pour the ready Cowboy in a bowl. Overfilling the baking dish’s cornbread foundation equally.
-
The filling will be topped with shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into a delicious coating.
Into the Oven:
-
Bake the baking dish in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the cornmeal is cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy:
-
The Cowboy Cornbread Casserole should be taken out of the oven after baking and allowed to cool slightly before cutting.
-
Enjoy the Tex-Mex tastes with a hint of southern comfort while serving warm. When you’re in the mood for a filling supper with a twist, this dish is ideal for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any other occasion!
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Base:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
For the Cowboy Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
- Set your oven's temperature to 375°F (190°C). A 9×13-inch baking dish should be greased and set aside.
Create the Cornbread Base:
- Mix the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a sizable bowl.
- Melted butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk should all be combined in a separate bowl. Well combine until smooth.
- Stirring occasionally, add the wet mixture little by little to the dry mixture. Watch out not to combine too much.
- Spread the cornbread mixture evenly after pouring it into the baking dish that has been prepared.
Prepare the Cowboy Filling:
- The ground beef should be cooked until browned in a pan over medium heat. Remove any extra fat.
- To the skillet, add the diced bell pepper and chopped onion. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft.
- Black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are all added after stirring. Cook for a few minutes, until everything is thoroughly blended and cooked.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the ready Cowboy in a bowl. Overfilling the baking dish's cornbread foundation equally.
- The filling will be topped with shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into a delicious coating.
Into the Oven:
- Bake the baking dish in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the cornmeal is cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy:
- The Cowboy Cornbread Casserole should be taken out of the oven after baking and allowed to cool slightly before cutting.
- Enjoy the Tex-Mex tastes with a hint of southern comfort while serving warm. When you're in the mood for a filling supper with a twist, this dish is ideal for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any other occasion!
Video
Nutrition Fact –
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 6): (Note: Nutritional values are rounded and may not add up to exact totals due to rounding.)
Cornbread Base:
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
Cowboy Filling:
- Calories: 270
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
Estimated Total (Per Serving):
- Calories: 490
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I make substitutions to the cornbread base?
Yes, you can try whole wheat flour, corn flour, or other gluten-free flour options. However, be aware that the flavor and texture may differ.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Certainly! You can use meatless ground beef in instead of the ground beef, or you can use plant-based substitutes such crumbled tofu or tempeh.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar cheese pairs well with the flavors, but you may also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend from Mexico.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Consider using diced tomatoes with extra spicy chilies or more chili powder for a hotter casserole.
5. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and put the casserole together right before baking. Until you’re ready to bake, keep the cowboy filling and cornbread foundation separate.
6. How should I store leftovers?
For up to three to four days, keep leftover casserole in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat individual servings in the oven or microwave.
7. Can I freeze this casserole?
The casserole can indeed be frozen before baking. Put it together but don’t bake it. Then, freeze after carefully wrapping in foil and plastic wrap. When it’s time to bake, defrost the item in the fridge before proceeding as instructed.
8. Can I add vegetables to the cowboy filling?
Absolutely! To increase the nutritional content, feel free to include your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
9. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe’s size as needed. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking times accordingly.
