Cowboy Cornbread Casserole | The Recipe Critic

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s so easy to make. Seasoned ground beef, corn, pinto beans, and Rotel tomatoes are layered with shredded cheddar cheese and a cornbread topping for a winning dinner!

My family loves a good hearty casserole, and I love making them because they are so easy to throw together. If you’re looking for other recipes to try, you’re sure to love this crowd-pleasing John Wayne Casserole, this family-favorite Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole, and this delicious Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

This casserole has become a family favorite because it’s loaded with all the traditional Tex-Mex flavors and that wonderful texture everyone loves. The combination of seasoned beef, tasty add-ins, and plenty of cheese is just too irresistible to pass up. Plus, the best part is that it’s super easy to throw together, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but quick.

It’s definitely hearty enough to serve on its own, but it’s also great served with sides like Mexican rice, a fresh, crisp salad, or refried beans. And don’t forget the toppings! We love to top it with sour cream, salsa, sliced avocado or guacamole, and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cowboy cornbread casserole recipe is super filling and makes six servings, which is probably enough to feed your whole family! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Beef Filling

• Beef: I like to use lean ground beef or ground turkey for the filling.
• Onion: Adds flavor and texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances all of the flavors.
• Garlic Powder: For a hint of garlic taste.
• Chili Powder: Adds Mexican flavor without too much heat.
• Cumin: Adds a touch of earthiness and warmth to the flavor profile.
• Corn: Gives the meat mixture plenty of texture and a bit of sweetness.
• Rotel tomatoes: If you’re serving someone who might be sensitive to spice, be sure to grab the can that says “mild.”
• Chili beans: Add these in undrained for delicious sauciness.
• Cheese: Provides wonderful cheesiness. Use shredded Colby-Jack cheese or another favorite variety.

Cornbread

• Cornbread: I like to use two boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix, which is really convenient to mix up.
• Creamed Corn: Adds a creamy richness to the cornbread.
• Sour Cream: I love adding sour cream to cornbread batter for added moisture.

Let’s Make Cornbread Cowboy Casserole!

With just one bite of this easy casserole recipe, you’ll be hooked! In fact, it’s definitely one of those dinners you’ll find yourself craving on repeat. So, here’s how it all comes together:

Beef Filling

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and cook until tender. 
3. Combine: Add the corn, pinto beans, Rotel tomatoes, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to the ground beef mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Layer in Pan with Cheese: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared pan then top with shredded cheese.

Cornbread

5. Make the Cornbread Batter: Combine the corn muffin mix, creamed corn, and sour cream in a medium bowl and mix until you have a thick batter. 
6. Add the Cornbread Topping and Bake: Spoon the mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown.

More Casserole Recipes

If you love casseroles as much as I do, here are a few more satisfying and incredibly tasty dishes that your family will gobble up! They come together easily with simple ingredients. For more dinner inspiration, find my full list of casseroles here!