Cowboy Cornbread Casserole (Printable Version)

A savory mix of beef, beans, salsa, and cheese finished with a golden cornbread topping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat and Aromatics

01 - 1.5 pounds ground beef
02 - 1 cup diced onion

→ Seasonings and Canned Goods

03 - 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 store-bought packet)
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1 can (14.5 oz) black beans, drained
07 - 1 can (14.5 oz) canned corn, drained
08 - 24 oz jar thick salsa
09 - 1 can (4 oz) green chiles

→ Cheeses

10 - 2 cups shredded cheese (pepper jack and cheddar blend)

→ Cornbread Topping

11 - 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix
12 - 1 can (14 oz) creamed corn
13 - 2 tablespoons milk
14 - 1 large egg
15 - 0.25 cup sour cream

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 350°F.
02 - Place an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onions; cook until beef is fully browned, about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, salt, black pepper, salsa, drained corn, black beans, and green chiles. Mix thoroughly and remove skillet from heat.
04 - Evenly distribute shredded cheese over the beef mixture in the skillet.
05 - In a medium bowl, combine Jiffy corn muffin mix, creamed corn, milk, egg, and sour cream. Mix until uniform.
06 - Evenly layer the cornbread mixture atop the cheese layer in the skillet.
07 - Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is fully cooked and set.
08 - Remove from oven and serve warm, optionally accompanied by preferred taco garnishes.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.