Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole
Our Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole is hearty, family-friendly dish combines seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, topped with a golden cornbread crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Hey, friends! Today, I’m excited to share a favorite in our household, my hamburger cornbread casserole.
This easy casserole recipe is a wonderful blend of savory ground beef, veggies, and a layer of melted cheddar, all topped with a perfectly golden cornbread crust.
It’s one of those comfort food recipes that brings everyone to the table.
John and I absolutely love it for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It’s versatile, too, so you can easily adapt it to your family’s taste.
Serve it with a slice of focaccia, some mashed cauliflower, or some crumb tomatoes.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Cornbread Casserole
Tips
Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top of the cornbread batter before baking. It adds a deliciously gooey layer of cheesy goodness.
Let it Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier casserole, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to suit your taste.
Check the Cornbread: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking the cornbread for doneness around the 20-minute mark. It should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Add More Cornbread Batter: If you find there isn’t enough cornbread batter to cover the filling from edge to edge, simply prepare an additional batch of the cornbread mix. This should give you plenty to cover the entire casserole.
Storage
Leftovers of our hamburger cornbread casserole can be a lifesaver for busy days. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the cornbread batter.
Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add the cornbread topping and bake as directed.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
More Casserole Recipes to Try
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 15 ounces canned corn, drained
- 15 ounces can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies, like Rotel, undrained
- 1 ounce taco seasoning, 1 packet
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix, or your favorite cornbread mix
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
Instructions
To Make the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.1 pound ground beef
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.1 small onion1 bell pepper
- Stir in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.15 ounces canned corn15 ounces can black beans10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies1 ounce taco seasoning
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
To Make the Cornbread Topping:
- In a medium bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions (typically mixing the cornbread mix with the egg and milk).1 large egg⅓ cup milk1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
- Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1.5 cups of casserole. Actual calories will vary.
- If you prefer not to use Jiffy mix, you may not need the milk and egg listed in the ingredients. Use whatever ingredients the package or recipe calls for.