Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a great go-to meal.
- Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with protein and carbs, this casserole is a complete meal on its own.
- Full of Flavor – The combination of taco seasoning, Rotel, and ranch-style beans gives it a delicious Tex-Mex taste.
- Customizable – Top it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or extra cheese.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, game days, or family dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 packs cornbread mix (about 59¢ each)
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 can Rotel (undrained)
- 1 can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 can ranch-style beans (undrained)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 pack taco seasoning
Directions
- Prepare Cornbread Batter – Mix the cornbread according to the package instructions and set aside.
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 425°F.
- Cook the Beef – Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain the grease.
- Add Seasonings & Veggies – Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel (with juice), ranch-style beans (with juice), and drained corn. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine Everything – Stir the beef mixture into the cornbread batter. Add shredded cheese and mix well.
- Bake – Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 casserole dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve & Enjoy – Optionally, top with extra cheese, sour cream, salsa, or your favorite toppings before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or use hot Rotel for extra spice.
- Different Protein – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- Extra Veggies – Add diced bell peppers, onions, or black beans for added texture.
- Cheesy Upgrade – Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack.
- Cornbread Topping – Instead of mixing everything together, pour the beef mixture into the dish first and top with cornbread batter for a layered effect.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
How do I keep the cornbread from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain the corn before adding it and avoid adding too much liquid from the other ingredients.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead and mix it with the cornbread batter just before baking.
What are ranch-style beans?
They are seasoned pinto beans in a tomato-based sauce, commonly used in Tex-Mex dishes.
Can I use homemade cornbread mix?
Absolutely! Just prepare enough batter to replace the two packs of cornbread mix.
Can I make this without beans?
Yes, you can skip the beans or substitute them with black beans if you prefer.
What can I serve with Cowboy Cornbread Casserole?
It pairs well with a simple salad, guacamole, or a side of Mexican rice.
Can I add more cheese?
Of course! You can mix in extra cheese or sprinkle some on top before serving.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and check that your taco seasoning and beans are gluten-free.
Can I use a different baking dish?
A 9x13 dish works best, but you can use a deep 8x8 dish—just adjust the baking time.
What toppings go well with this casserole?
Sour cream, salsa, chopped green onions, cilantro, and avocado are all great choices.
Conclusion
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a delicious Tex-Mex twist. It's easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a potluck, this hearty dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal!
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, one-pan meal packed with seasoned ground beef, cornbread, cheese, and Tex-Mex flavors. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners. Enjoy a delicious combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Southern
Ingredients
- 2 packs cornbread mix
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 can Rotel (undrained)
- 1 can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 can ranch-style beans (undrained)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 pack taco seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare Cornbread Batter – Mix the cornbread according to the package instructions and set aside.
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 425°F.
- Cook the Beef – Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess grease.
- Add Seasonings & Veggies – Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel (with juice), ranch-style beans (with juice), and drained corn. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine Everything – Stir the beef mixture into the cornbread batter. Add shredded cheese and mix well.
- Bake – Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 casserole dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve & Enjoy – Optionally, top with extra cheese, sour cream, salsa, or your favorite toppings before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños.
- Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different protein option.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
