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Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
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Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy creamed corn, and sharp cheddar cheese topped with a sweet and tender cornbread layer. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings, it offers rich southwestern flavors with a satisfying texture in a convenient one-pan bake.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cornbread Batter

  • 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
  • 1 can (14.75 oz) creamed corn
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg

Topping

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic; cook until softened. Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant and well combined; remove from heat.
  2. Combine Cornbread Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornbread mix, creamed corn, melted butter, milk, and egg until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: Grease a casserole dish. Spoon the cooked meat mixture evenly into the dish. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the top of the meat layer and spread gently with a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously on the surface.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cornbread is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cheese should be melted and lightly browned on top.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing, which helps it set and makes serving easier. Serve warm with optional garnishes and sides.

Notes

  • Use quality ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor and moisture balance.
  • Do not overmix the cornbread batter to keep it light and airy, preventing a dense texture.
  • Allow the casserole to rest slightly after baking for cleaner slices and better presentation.
  • Consider adding fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions on top before serving for extra freshness.
  • Customize the cheese by mixing sharp cheddar with smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for added flavor variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy cornbread casserole, cornbread casserole, southwestern casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/cowboy-cornbread-casserole/