There's nothing quite like the smell of a warm, savory Cowboy Cornbread Casserole filling your kitchen. With layers of ground beef, creamy corn, and a golden, buttery cornbread topping, this hearty meal brings comfort to your table without the fuss.

The first time I made this casserole, it became an instant hit in my household. It's now a go-to on busy weeknights when we crave something filling and flavorful, yet easy enough to whip up in under an hour.
Ready to make this crowd-pleaser part of your dinner rotation? Let's dive in!
Why You'll Love This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s as effortless as it is delicious. This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole will become your new weeknight hero.
First, it's incredibly simple to prepare. You only need basic pantry ingredients and a little prep time to make a meal the whole family will rave about. The best part? Most of the cooking happens in the oven, leaving you free to unwind while dinner takes care of itself.
Another big perk is how family-friendly this dish is. The combination of savory meat, sweet corn, and fluffy cornbread satisfies even the pickiest eaters. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
And let's not forget the easy cleanup. This one-pan meal means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner, which is a lifesaver on busy nights.
Finally, it's a budget-friendly option. With ground beef and canned veggies, you can keep costs low without sacrificing flavor. Plus, this casserole is perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have leftovers for lunches or dinner the next day.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole comes from its simple, hearty ingredients. Let’s break down what you need and how to get the most flavor from each component.
- Ground beef: This forms the base of the casserole and brings rich, savory flavor. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the right amount of juiciness. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics add a depth of flavor that elevates the ground beef. Be sure to sauté them until fragrant for the best results.
- Canned corn and creamed corn: The combination of these two forms the perfect balance between texture and sweetness. If you prefer, you can use frozen corn instead of canned for a fresher bite.
- Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies: These add a zesty, Tex-Mex-inspired twist to the dish. If you want a milder flavor, use regular diced tomatoes instead of the ones with green chilies.
- Cornbread mix: The crowning glory of this casserole, cornbread mix makes it easy to whip up a fluffy, golden topping. For a richer cornbread, add an extra splash of milk or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter.
Special Equipment Tip: A large oven-safe skillet or a 9x13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure it’s well-greased to prevent sticking!
How To Make This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Creating this mouthwatering casserole is easier than you might think. Let me guide you through the process step by step.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or large oven-safe skillet.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the veggies and sauce: Stir in the canned corn, creamed corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Season with a generous pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of chili powder if you like extra heat. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now it’s time for the cornbread topping!
- Prepare the cornbread batter according to the package instructions. Pour the batter over the beef mixture, spreading it gently to cover the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
This dish comes together in about 45 minutes total, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. You'll be rewarded with a bubbly, golden casserole that’s brimming with bold, savory flavors.
Storage Options
One of the best things about Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is how well it keeps. Here’s how to store and reheat it to enjoy every last bite.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they sit, so it’s perfect for meal prepping!
- Freeze: This casserole also freezes beautifully. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label and date your containers for easy identification.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply pop a serving in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before warming up.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this casserole is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize the recipe and make it your own.
- Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a different take on the classic.
- Add more veggies: If you want to sneak in extra nutrition, add diced bell peppers, chopped zucchini, or black beans. Sauté them with the onions for maximum flavor.
- Cheesy upgrade: Mix shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the cornbread batter or sprinkle it on top before baking for a gooey, melty finish.
- Spice it up: For a bolder flavor, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. You can also top the finished casserole with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and use black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of your favorite legumes for a hearty meatless version.
Feel free to get creative and tailor this dish to your taste preferences. No matter how you make it, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Enjoy digging into this comforting and flavorful Cowboy Cornbread Casserole – a dish that brings the heartiness of the Old West straight to your dinner table!
PrintEasy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
This Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring ground beef, beans, cheese, and a golden, fluffy cornbread topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings southwestern flavor to your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions. Pour the batter over the cheese layer and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the spice level by adding jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- For a creamier texture, add a can of cream-style corn to the beef mixture.
- This casserole can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅙ of casserole)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
Leave a Reply