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I remember my grandma making something similar when I was little. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water, and every bite was like a warm, comforting hug. Over the years, I’ve tweaked her recipe, adding my own little touches here and there, and this version is now a family favorite. What this means for you? A simple, foolproof recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. This is the kind of meal that just sticks to your ribs, you know?
What makes this casserole special? It's the balance of textures and flavors. The savory, seasoned ground beef filling is rich and satisfying, while the sweet, crumbly cornbread topping adds a delightful contrast. And honestly? The ease of preparation is a major plus. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this casserole comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It's also a great dish to bring to potlucks or gatherings, where it's always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve even made it for new neighbors as a welcome gift!
This casserole is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices. Add some diced bell peppers and onions to the beef mixture, or sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread topping before baking. For a spicier kick, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a can of diced green chilies. The possibilities are truly endless! Don't have ground beef? Ground turkey or even shredded chicken work just fine. This recipe is really more of a guide than a strict set of rules, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.
Craving a hearty, satisfying meal? This Beefy Cornbread Casserole combines savory ground beef with a sweet and crumbly cornbread topping, making it perfect for a cozy night in. Its the best one-dish meal the whole family will love!.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trust me, a hot oven is key for that perfect cornbread crust!
In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it up with a spoon. If you're using lean ground beef, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
Drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes a greasy casserole!
Stir in 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper (any color you like!). Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender. The aroma at this point? Heavenly.
Add 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1 (15 ounce) can of drained and rinsed kidney beans (or your favorite type of beans!), 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Pro tip: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed! Maybe you want a little more chili powder for a spicier kick? Go for it!
While the beef mixture simmers, prepare the cornbread topping. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure a light and fluffy cornbread.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 1 cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. The melted butter adds richness and helps the cornbread brown beautifully.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough cornbread.
Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. If you don't have a 9x13 inch dish, a slightly smaller or larger one will work just fine. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly. Don't worry if the beef mixture peeks through in some spots. It'll all bake together beautifully.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it! Ovens vary, so it might take a little more or less time.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cornbread to set up a bit, making it easier to slice. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a can of diced green chilies to the beef mixture.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken for the ground beef.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread topping before baking for extra cheesy goodness.