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Cowboy Casserole

This Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate easy comfort food dinner. It's hearty, cozy, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple and delicious.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 Whole Red Onion Chopped
  • 1 Can Corn Drained
  • 1 Can Black Beans Drained & Rinsed
  • 1 Can Mild Rotel
  • 1 Whole Jalapeno Diced
  • 1 Box Jiffy Cornbread Mix
  • Ingredients listed on the Jiffy box (typically egg and milk)
  • 1 Cup Mexican Cheese Shredded
  • 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
  • Cooking Spray
Seasonings:
  • 1 Packet Taco Seasoning
  • 1 Packet Ranch Seasoning

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no pink remains.
  3. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
  4. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
  5. Stir in the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning until evenly combined with the beef mixture.
  6. Add the drained corn, black beans, Rotel, and diced jalapeño (if using). Mix well until everything is fully combined.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Mexican cheese. Continue mixing until the cheese is completely melted into the mixture.
  8. In a separate bowl, prepare the Jiffy cornbread mix according to the package instructions.
  9. Lightly spray a 7x11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  10. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  11. Gently pour and spread the cornbread batter over the top of the beef mixture.
  12. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
  13. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Tip: Check the casserole at the 30-minute mark. If the cornbread topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking for the remaining 15 minutes.

About The Recipe 

Cowboy Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner, hearty, cheesy, satisfying, and packed with bold, cozy flavor in every bite. Made with seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, melted cheese & delicious cornbread, this easy casserole recipe is the kind of meal that instantly brings everyone to the kitchen. It's warm, filling, and incredibly simple to make, which is exactly why it has become a weeknight staple.
One of the best things about this recipe is how approachable it is. You don't need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something delicious. Everything comes together easily with pantry staples you may already have on hand, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting dinner without the stress. The creamy beef filling paired with the sweet cornbread topping creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor, while the melted cheese ties everything together into one irresistible bite.
This Cowboy Casserole is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, add bacon for extra flavor, spice it up with more jalapeños, or swap in different cheeses depending on what you can in the fridge. It's the kind of dependable recipe that always turns out delicious and works for picky eaters, family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping leftovers for the next day.
If you love simple comfort food recipes that feel homemade and guaranteed to satisfy, this Cowboy Casserole deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. One bite in, and you'll understand why this recipe is always a crowd favorite.