Description

This Cornbread Taco Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines the sweetness of cornbread with the savory goodness of taco-seasoned ground beef. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish. The layers of cornbread, seasoned beef, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese create a delightful combination of textures and tastes. This recipe is also highly customizable – feel free to adjust the toppings and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients:

7 ounce packet cornbread mix
½ cup milk
1 large egg
1 pound ground beef
3 Tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
⅓ cup water
11 ounce can Mexicorn, drained
10 ounce can Rotel, drained
2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided use)
½ cup chopped green onions
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, taco sauce

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×9-inch (or 2 1/2 quart) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine the 7-ounce packet of cornbread mix, ½ cup of milk, and 1 large egg. Stir well until just combined – do not overmix.

Step 3: Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cornbread is lightly golden and set.

Step 4: While the cornbread is baking, cook and crumble 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 5: Add 3 Tablespoons of taco seasoning and ⅓ cup of water to the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine. Then, add in the 11-ounce can of drained Mexicorn and the 10-ounce can of drained Rotel. Stir well and simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Once the cornbread is cooked, remove it from the oven and carefully spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the top.

Step 7: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of sour cream with ONE cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend and ½ cup of chopped green onions.

Step 8: Gently spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the ground beef layer.

Step 9: Sprinkle the top with the remaining one cup of Mexican shredded cheese blend.

Step 10: Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11: Allow the Cornbread Taco Bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner because it’s:

Easy: It comes together quickly with minimal effort.
Delicious: The combination of cornbread, taco-seasoned beef, and cheesy toppings is irresistible.
Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients and toppings to suit your tastes.
Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for leftovers: Tastes great the next day.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Cornbread Taco Bake with your favorite taco toppings, such as:

Shredded lettuce
Sliced olives
Diced tomatoes
Taco sauce or salsa
Guacamole
Extra sour cream

Tips:

Don’t overmix the cornbread batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cornbread.
Drain the ground beef thoroughly: This will prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Adjust the taco seasoning to your liking: Use more or less depending on your preferred level of spice.
For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information:

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
Protein: 25-35g per serving
Sodium: 700-900mg per serving

Conclusion

This Cornbread Taco Bake is a delightful and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of flavorful ingredients and customizable toppings, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting combination of sweet cornbread and savory taco flavors in this crowd-pleasing casserole!

Q&A

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. You could even use shredded cooked chicken or beef for a different texture.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?

A: Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a vegetarian ground meat substitute.

Q3: Can I use a different size baking dish?

A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. A larger baking dish will result in a thinner casserole, so it may cook faster. A smaller dish will require a longer baking time.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to the ground beef mixture?

A: Definitely! Diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini would be great additions.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Yes, you can freeze the Cornbread Taco Bake before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it completely before baking (if unbaked) or reheating (if baked).