Simple Ranch-Style Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering cowboy cornbread casserole that combines hearty ground beef with creamy corn and golden cornbread.

Savory flavors burst through every single bite, creating a dish that speaks directly to your hunger.

Ranch-style seasonings add a bold southwestern twist to this classic comfort meal.

Home cooks adore how simple it comes together with just a few pantry staples.

The casserole bakes into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Families will gather around the table, eager to dig into this satisfying and filling meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every forkful.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible cowboy-inspired comfort food.

Top Pairings for Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Blend tangy lime margaritas to complement the spicy salsa and taco seasoning in the casserole, cutting through the rich, cheesy flavors with a refreshing citrus kick.
• Serve with Southwest Salad: Create a crisp salad with mixed greens, black beans, corn, and a cilantro-lime dressing that echoes the southwestern profile of the cornbread casserole.
• Elevate with Jalapeño Cornbread Pickles: Add homemade pickled jalapeños on the side to provide a sharp, tangy contrast to the creamy, hearty casserole, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
• Cool Down with Mexican Horchata: Prepare a creamy, cinnamon-infused horchata to balance the spicy and savory elements of the dish, offering a smooth and sweet beverage pairing.

Tasty Variations on Cornbread Casserole

• Vegetarian Ranch Cornbread Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, using vegetable broth and extra beans for protein. Swap taco seasoning for ranch seasoning to maintain flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Southwest Cornbread Bake: Use gluten-free cornbread mix, replace Jiffy mix with almond flour and cornmeal blend. Ensure all seasonings and salsa are certified gluten-free for safe preparation.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cornbread Casserole: Substitute ground beef with cauliflower rice, reduce beans, add extra spices. Replace cornbread topping with a cheese and egg mixture to lower carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Version: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, add diced jalapeños to filling, incorporate pepper jack cheese for extra heat. Mix chopped green chilies into cornbread topping for additional kick.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. Use mild versions if you prefer less heat, or select medium or hot options for more kick.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread topping separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. Refrigerate components separately for up to 24 hours before baking.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) is ideal to prevent excess grease. If using fattier beef, drain thoroughly to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use store-brand ingredients, look for sales on ground beef, and opt for generic corn muffin mix instead of name-brand Jiffy to reduce overall cost.

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

• This cowboy cornbread casserole brings maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to dish for busy home cooks.
• Combining ground beef, beans, and cornbread in a single baking dish means less prep work and fewer dishes to clean up afterward.
• Swap out ingredients like different cheeses, beans, or salsa to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.
• Delivering a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug, this casserole brings together classic southwestern flavors in one delicious package.

What You Need for Cornbread Casserole

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that forms the hearty foundation of the casserole.

• Corn, Kidney Beans: Colorful vegetables and beans that add texture and nutritional value to the dish.
• Salsa: Provides a zesty flavor and moisture to the meat mixture.

• Taco Seasoning: A spice mix that gives the casserole a classic southwestern flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the beef filling.

• Colby Jack Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a rich and creamy topping for the casserole.

• Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: Convenient baking mix that creates a quick and easy cornbread layer.
• Creamed Corn: Adds moisture and corn flavor to the cornbread topping.
• Milk: Helps bind the cornbread batter and create a soft texture.
• Sour Cream: Provides richness and helps create a tender cornbread topping.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the baking dish.
• Water: Helps to create the right consistency for the beef mixture.

How to Make Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for action.

Step 2: Craft the Hearty Beef Base

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once cooked, drain away extra grease.

• Corn
• Kidney beans
• Salsa
• Taco seasoning
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Stir and let the mixture bubble and thicken for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Layer the Savory Foundation

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Pour in the beef mixture and spread evenly.

Sprinkle a generous blanket of Colby Jack cheese on top.

Step 4: Mix the Cornbread Crown

• Jiffy corn muffin mix
• Creamed corn
• Milk
• Sour cream

Stir until the batter looks thick and inviting.

Carefully spoon and spread over the cheesy beef layer.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cornbread turns a beautiful golden brown.

Poke with a toothpick – it should come out clean when done.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes.

Dish up this cowboy comfort food alongside a crisp salad or roasted veggies for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Cornbread Topping

• Pat ground beef with paper towels to remove maximum grease, preventing a soggy casserole base.
• Adjust taco seasoning levels based on personal heat preference, ensuring balanced flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like Mexican mix or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the robust southwestern essence of the recipe.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.

How to Keep and Reheat Cornbread Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, maintaining quality for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring a crispy cornbread top and heated filling.

Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty cowboy cornbread casserole brings Texas ranch-style comfort straight to dinner tables with rich ground beef and sweet corn melding perfectly. Spicy jalapeños and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein and Protein-Based Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 ounces (28 grams) packet taco seasoning

Vegetable and Bean Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) can canned corn, drained
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can canned kidney beans, drained
• 2 cups salsa

Seasoning and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Colby Jack recommended)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons milk

Cornbread Topping Ingredients:

• 1 (8.5 ounces / 241 grams) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
• 1 (8.25 ounces / 234 grams) can creamed corn

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the hearty casserole.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked, eliminating excess grease.
3. Incorporate corn, kidney beans, salsa, taco seasoning, water, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the beef. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and mixture to thicken.
4. Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, distributing evenly across the surface.
5. Generously sprinkle Colby Jack cheese over the beef layer, creating a rich, melty foundation.
6. Blend Jiffy corn muffin mix, creamed corn, milk, and sour cream in a bowl until a smooth batter forms.
7. Carefully spread the cornbread batter across the cheese and beef layers, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cornbread topping turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then serve warm alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy salsa and adjusting taco seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the filling.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling everything except the cornbread topping, then add and bake just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg