Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for dinner or a potluck gathering. This classic Southern recipe combines savory ground beef with sweet corn, creamy cheddar cheese, and cornbread to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish, Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Why Is It Called Cowboy Cornbread?
Cowboy cornbread is a popular dish in the American South, particularly in states like Texas and Oklahoma. The name “cowboy” refers to the dish’s association with cowboys and their rugged way of life on the open range.
Traditionally, cowboy cornbread is made with simple ingredients that were easily available on the trail, such as cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk or buttermilk, and bacon grease. These ingredients could be mixed together quickly and baked over an open fire or on a camp stove.
The resulting cornbread was dense and filling, perfect for fueling up before a long day of work tending cattle or riding horses. The hearty nature of this dish has made it a favorite among cowboys for generations. It has evolved to include ground beef, vegetables, and shredded cheese.
In addition to its practical origins, cowboy cornbread also has cultural significance. It represents the resourcefulness and self-reliance of early settlers who had to make do with what they had while living off the land.
Today, cowboy cornbread remains a beloved staple in Southern cuisine. It can be served as a side dish with barbecue or chili or eaten on its own as a satisfying snack. Its rustic charm continues to evoke images of wide-open spaces and hardworking cowboys who have helped shape American history.
Kitchen Tools I Use To Make This Recipe
We all have our favorite kitchen gadgets that we love to use on a regular basis. Here are some that I used to make this recipe. I have included the link for these items to make them easier for you to locate online.
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Meat Chopper to easily break up the meat
- 1 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish I love this one because it comes with a lid for easy storage and transport.
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Large Whisk
- 1 Pam Cooking Spray
Ingredients For Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Cornbread Topping
- 2 Boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix
- 2 Eggs
- 2/3 Cup Milk
Meat Mixture
- 1-2 Pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Packet Taco Seasoning
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 Can Corn Drained
- 1 Can Pinto Beans Drained and Rinsed
- 1 Can Rotel
- 1/2 Onion Sautéed
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
How To Make Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
In a large skillet sauté the onion in olive oil until the onions are translucent. Set them aside when done.
In the same large skillet add the ground beef and cook over medium high heat. I like to use a meat chopper to break the meat up until it is smaller bite sized pieces.
Once the meat is cooked through add in the Taco Seasoning and Salt and Pepper to taste.
Drain the canned corn and pinto beans and rinse both in a strainer.
To the meet add in the sauteed onions, corn, pinto beans, and Rotel. Stir all of the items until completely mixed together.
At this point I like to taste the meat mixture and see if I like the flavor. If it needs to be more spicy add some more taco seasoning or your favorite hot sauce.
Add the ingredients of the meat mixture to a 9×13 baking dish that has been sprayed with a cooking spray like Pam.
Once the meat mixture is evenly spread into the baking dish add the shredded cheddar cheese in an even layer to the top.
In a medium mixing bowl add all of the ingredients for the cornbread and whisk them together making the cornbread batter.
Spoon the cornbread batter onto the top of the meat mixture and spread it evenly.
Place the cowboy cornbread into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cornbread is lightly golden and is cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes prior to cutting it. Add to the top your favorite toppings and enjoy!
What To Serve With Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
This savory casserole features layers of ground beef, beans, cheese, and cornbread and can be served as a main course or as a side dish. While this dish is already packed with flavor, it’s always fun to pair it with some tasty sides to make the meal even more satisfying.
Here are some ideas on what to serve with cowboy cornbread casserole:
- Salad – A fresh green salad will provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the casserole. You can toss together your favorite greens like spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce along with some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado.
- Roasted Vegetables – Adding roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli or cauliflower would add an extra layer of texture and flavor to your plate.
- Baked Beans – Another classic Southern side dish that goes well with cowboy cornbread casserole is baked beans. The sweetness of the beans will complement the savory flavors in the casserole perfectly.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots would add crunchiness to your meal while balancing out all those rich flavors in the casserole.
- Corn on the Cob – Freshly boiled or grilled corn on the cob makes an excellent side dish for cowboy cornbread casserole because it enhances its corn flavor even more!
- Mashed Potatoes – Mashed potatoes might seem like an unusual pairing but they provide a soft creamy base that balances well with the south of the border taste of the cornbread casserole.
How To Store Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Whether you’re looking to meal prep for the week or serve it at your next family gathering, it’s important to know how to store cowboy cornbread casserole properly so that it stays fresh and tasty.
Here are some tips on how to store cowboy cornbread casserole:
- Store in an airtight container: The best way to keep your cowboy cornbread casserole fresh is by storing it in an airtight container. This will prevent any air from getting in and causing the casserole to dry out.
- Refrigerate promptly: If you’re not planning on eating the casserole right away, be sure to refrigerate it promptly. This will help slow down bacterial growth and keep the food safe for consumption.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days: Cowboy cornbread casserole can last up to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming after this time period.
- Freeze for longer storage: If you need to store your cowboy cornbread casserole for longer than 4 days, consider freezing it instead. To do this, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months when frozen properly.
- Thaw before reheating: When you’re ready to eat your frozen cowboy cornbread casserole, make sure you thaw it first before reheating. This will help it to cook more evenly when reheated.
How To Reheat Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is also easy to make ahead of time for meal prepping. This casserole can be reheated easily in the oven or microwave.
Here are some simple steps on how to reheat Cowboy Cornbread Casserole:
Reheating in the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Take out the Cowboy Cornbread Casserole from its container and place it into an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
- Place the dish inside the preheated oven and bake for around 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating in the Microwave:
- Take out the Cowboy Cornbread Casserole from its container and transfer it to a microwave-safe plate or bowl.
- Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap but make sure you leave one side open slightly for steam to escape while heating.
- Heat at medium heat (50%) power level for around 5-6 minutes depending on your microwave wattage.
- Check after every minute and stir well before continuing to heat until heated through.
Helpful Tips:
- If you find that your Cowboy Cornbread Casserole has dried out after reheating, drizzle some chicken broth over it before baking or microwaving again.
- For best results when reheating in the oven, allow your casserole to come up to room temperature before placing it into the oven or microwave.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Meat Chopper to easily break up the meat
- 1 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Large Whisk
- 1 Pam Cooking Spray
Ingredients
Cornbread Topping
- 2 Boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix
- 2 Eggs
- 2/3 Cup Milk
Meat Mixture
- 1-2 Pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Packet Taco Seasoning
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1 Can Corn Drained
- 1 Can Pinto Beans Drained and Rinsed
- 1 Can Rotel
- 1/2 Onion Sautéed
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °FIn a large skillet sauté the onion in olive oil until the onions are translucent. Set them aside when done.
- In the same large skillet add the ground beef and cook over medium high heat. I like to use a meat chopper to break the meat up until it is smaller bite sized pieces.Once the meat is cooked through add in the Taco Seasoning and Salt and Pepper to taste.
- To the meet add in the onions, corn, pinto beans, and Rotel. Stir all of the items until completely mixed together.At this point I like to taste the meat mixture and see if I like the flavor. If it needs to be more spicy add some more taco seasoning or your favorite hot sauce.Add the ingredients of the meat mixture to a 9×13 baking dish that has been sprayed with a cooking spray like Pam.Once the meat mixture is evenly spread into the baking dish add the shredded cheddar cheese in an even layer to the top.
- In a medium mixing bowl add all of the ingredients for the cornbread and whisk them together making the cornbread batter.Spoon the cornbread batter onto the top of the meat mixture and spread it evenly.
- Place the cowboy cornbread into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cornbread is lightly golden and is cooked through.Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes prior to cutting it. Add to the top your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Leave a comment