Devastatingly Delicious Taco Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food! You know those nights when you’re craving something super satisfying, but you’re also, like, *totally* over spending hours in the kitchen? That’s where my Taco Cornbread Casserole comes in to save the day. Seriously, this recipe is a weeknight game-changer. It’s got all the yummy flavors of a taco night, but baked into a cheesy, cornbready DREAM.

My family? They go absolutely bonkers for this stuff. Even my pickiest eater (looking at you, Timmy!) asks for seconds. And the best part? It’s so easy to throw together. I’m talking minimal effort, maximum flavor. We’re using simple ingredients, so it turns out great every time. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover taco meat if you have it!

I’ve been making this Taco Cornbread Casserole for years, tweaking it here and there until it became the perfect, crowd-pleasing dish it is today. I feel like my years of experience making this recipe mean I can help you make it perfectly, too. It’s all about sharing the love…and the deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Taco Cornbread Casserole

Seriously, you guys, get ready to fall in love! This Taco Cornbread Casserole is about to become your new go-to for so many reasons. Trust me on this!

Quick and Easy Dinner

Weeknights are crazy, right? I get it! That’s why this casserole is a lifesaver. It’s ready in under an hour – from start to finish! That’s faster than takeout!

Flavorful and Hearty

Taco flavors plus cornbread? It’s a match made in heaven! The savory taco meat combined with the slightly sweet cornbread is just… *chef’s kiss*! It will fill you up, but it’s so yummy, and you’ll want more!

Family-Friendly

Kids and adults both gobble this up. There’s something for everyone! It’s not too spicy, and it’s just plain fun to eat. My kids even help me make it!

Customizable

Don’t like black beans? Swap ’em for pinto! Want it spicier? Add some jalapeños! This recipe is super flexible, so you can make it your own. My favorite part is adding a layer of refried beans. Yum!

Ingredients for Your Taco Cornbread Casserole

Alright, let’s gather up our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Taco Cornbread Casserole. Don’t worry if you’re missing something; we can always get creative! But trust me, having all this on hand makes it a breeze.

Ground Beef

You’ll want 1 pound of ground beef. I usually go for 80/20, but honestly, whatever you’ve got works!

Taco Seasoning

Grab 1 packet of your favorite taco seasoning. I usually just use the regular stuff, but if you’re feeling fancy, go for the spicier kind!

Salsa

You’ll need 1 cup of salsa. Mild, medium, hot – it’s all up to you! I like using a chunkier salsa for extra texture.

Corn

Snag 1 can (15 ounces) of corn, and make sure you drain it well. Nobody wants a soggy casserole, am I right?

Black Beans

Same goes for the black beans – 1 can (15 ounces), rinsed and drained. Rinsing gets rid of that… you know… bean-y taste.

Cheddar Cheese

You’ll need 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. I always buy a block and shred it myself, but pre-shredded is fine too. No judgement here!

Cornbread Mix

One box (8.5 ounces) of cornbread mix. Jiffy is my go-to, but use whatever brand you like best!

Milk

You’ll need 1 cup of milk. Any kind works – whole, 2%, even almond milk if you’re feeling adventurous!

Eggs

And last but not least, 2 large eggs. Gotta have ’em to bind everything together!

How to Make Taco Cornbread Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here we go! Time to turn those ingredients into a glorious Taco Cornbread Casserole. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step. It’s easier than you think!

Preparing the Taco Meat

First, grab a skillet and brown that ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s all browned, drain off any extra grease – nobody likes a greasy casserole! Then, stir in that taco seasoning and salsa. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Mmm, smells good already!

Combining the Corn and Bean Mixture

In a large bowl, toss together the corn, black beans, and half a cup of that yummy cheddar cheese. Set this aside for now. This is gonna be our base layer of deliciousness!

Mixing the Cornbread Batter

In a separate bowl, dump in the cornbread mix, milk, and eggs. Stir it all together until it’s just combined. Now, here’s a tip: don’t overmix it! A few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing makes the cornbread tough, and we want it nice and tender.

Assembling the Taco Cornbread Casserole

Alright, time to put it all together! Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up real good. Then, pour in that corn and bean mixture and spread it out evenly. Next, spoon the ground beef mixture over the top. Finally, pour the cornbread batter over the beef layer, making sure to cover everything as best you can. It doesn’t have to be perfect!

Baking Your Taco Cornbread Casserole

Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Pop that baby into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! The cornbread should be golden brown and beautiful.

Cooling and Serving

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. I know, it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s better if you let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it set up a bit. Then, slice it up and serve! I love topping mine with sour cream and a little extra salsa. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Taco Cornbread Casserole

Want to take your Taco Cornbread Casserole from good to AMAZING? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my favorite tricks to make sure it’s perfect every single time. These are game changers, trust me!

Preventing a Soggy Bottom

Nobody wants a soggy casserole! The key is to drain that taco meat *really* well. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before you pop the casserole in. A hot oven helps the cornbread cook quickly and prevents it from soaking up too much moisture.

Enhancing the Flavor

Don’t skimp on the taco seasoning! Use a good quality brand, or even better, make your own! A flavorful salsa also makes a huge difference. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the taco meat for an extra kick. You could also use a can of Rotel instead of regular salsa.

Ensuring Even Baking

To make sure your Taco Cornbread Casserole bakes evenly, rotate the baking dish halfway through the cooking time. This helps prevent the edges from getting too brown while the center is still gooey. I swear it makes a difference!

Taco Cornbread Casserole Variations

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but what if you wanna mix things up? No problem! This Taco Cornbread Casserole is like a blank canvas – ready for your creative touch! Here are a few ideas to get you started. Get ready to experiment!

Vegetarian Taco Cornbread Casserole

Want to skip the meat? Easy peasy! Just swap the ground beef for some plant-based ground meat substitute. There are tons of great options out there these days. Or, you could even use lentils or crumbled tofu! It’s still gonna be delicious, I promise!

Spicy Taco Cornbread Casserole

Feeling fiery? Me too! Dice up some jalapeños and toss them into the taco meat mixture. Or, add a dash (or two!) of your favorite hot sauce. A little bit of cayenne pepper works wonders, too! Just be careful not to overdo it – unless you *really* like it hot!

Cheesy Taco Cornbread Casserole

Can you ever have too much cheese? I think not! Instead of just cheddar, try using a blend of different cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, even a little bit of queso fresco – the possibilities are endless! And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a layer of cheese *under* the taco meat, too! Why not?

Serving Suggestions for Taco Cornbread Casserole

Alright, your Taco Cornbread Casserole is baked to golden perfection. But what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! A few simple sides and toppings can really take this dish to the next level. Here’s how I like to jazz it up!

My go-to’s are a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt!), a scoop of fresh guacamole, and a sprinkle of chopped tomatoes. A side of extra salsa is a must, too, for those who like a little extra kick. Oh, and a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner for a bit of freshness. So good!

Storing and Reheating Your Taco Cornbread Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Taco Cornbread Casserole keeps great. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll be good for up to 3 days. To reheat, just microwave a slice or two until warmed through. Or, you can reheat the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Easy peasy!

Taco Cornbread Casserole FAQs

Got questions about making this awesome Taco Cornbread Casserole? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me. Don’t be shy – if you have more questions, just leave a comment below!

Can I make Taco Cornbread Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally assemble the whole casserole, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge a day ahead. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

Can I freeze Taco Cornbread Casserole?

Yep! Baked or unbaked, it freezes great. For best results, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating. So convenient!

What can I substitute for ground beef in Taco Cornbread Casserole?

So many options! Ground turkey or chicken work great. You could also use shredded chicken or even black beans for a vegetarian version. Lentils are another great choice. Get creative!

Nutritional Information for Taco Cornbread Casserole

Okay, so here’s the deal: I can’t promise exact numbers, but each serving is roughly 400 calories. Keep in mind, nutrition info varies based on the brands and ingredients you use!

Enjoy Your Taco Cornbread Casserole!

Alright, friends, dig in and enjoy! I hope you love this Taco Cornbread Casserole as much as my family does. If you try it, please leave a comment and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!

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