Cowboy Cornbread Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Weeknights

If you’re looking for a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than the Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. This delicious dish combines the savory goodness of ground beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese with the sweet, crumbly texture of Jiffy cornbread. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings, this casserole is a one-dish wonder that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Cowboy Cornbread Casserole, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips for customization and storage. Plus, we’ll explore why this dish is a crowd-pleaser and how you can make it your own.

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Why You’ll Love Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

1. Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes in the oven, this casserole is perfect for those hectic evenings when you need a meal on the table fast.
2. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors and textures in this dish. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, too!
3. Versatile: You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
4. Comfort Food at Its Best: The blend of ground beef, cheese, and cornbread is the ultimate comfort food combination.

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Ingredients for Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meat Mixture:

• 1/2 yellow or white onion, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeds and membranes removed, diced
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 10.5 oz. can Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup
• 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese (divided)

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 2 (8.5 oz) boxes Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
• 14 oz. can cream-style corn
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of oil. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet (a 12-inch cast iron skillet works great), heat a quick swish of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onions and red bell peppers, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, along with the granulated garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Combine the Meat Mixture

1. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
2. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine both boxes of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, cream-style corn, milk, and beaten eggs. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
2. Spread the cornbread batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Carefully spoon the ground beef mixture over the cornbread batter, spreading it out evenly. Avoid mixing the two layers.
2. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the meat mixture.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes.
2. The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the cornbread layer (near the center) comes out clean.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Top with your favorite garnishes, such as a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro.

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The History and Origins of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

The Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a dish that embodies the spirit of hearty, rustic cooking. Its roots can be traced back to the American Southwest, where cowboys and settlers relied on simple, filling meals that could be prepared with limited ingredients and cooked over open fires. Cornbread, a staple in Southern and Southwestern cuisine, became a natural base for casseroles due to its versatility and ability to pair well with savory ingredients like ground beef and cheese.

The addition of ground beef and canned soups reflects the mid-20th century trend of using convenience foods to create quick and satisfying meals. This casserole is a modern twist on traditional cowboy fare, combining the flavors of the frontier with the ease of contemporary cooking. The use of Jiffy cornbread mix, a pantry staple since its introduction in the 1930s, further cements this dish as a beloved classic in American home cooking.

Over the years, the Cowboy Cornbread Casserole has evolved to include variations that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Some cooks add beans or extra vegetables, while others experiment with different types of cheese or spices. Despite these adaptations, the core elements of the dish—cornbread, ground beef, and cheese—remain unchanged, ensuring that it stays true to its comforting, down-home roots.

This casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of tradition and ingenuity. It’s a reminder of how resourceful cooks can create something delicious and satisfying with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a potluck, the Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a dish that brings people together and evokes a sense of nostalgia for simpler times.

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Tips for Perfecting Your Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Making a Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is straightforward, but a few tips can help you elevate the dish to the next level. First, always start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Freshly diced onions and bell peppers will add more flavor than pre-packaged options, and using a good-quality ground beef (80/20 blend works well) ensures a rich, savory taste.

When preparing the cornbread batter, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cornbread layer. Instead, stir the ingredients until just combined, leaving a few lumps in the batter. This will result in a lighter, fluffier texture.

Another key tip is to layer the ingredients properly. Spread the cornbread batter evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, then carefully spoon the meat mixture on top. Avoid mixing the two layers, as this can disrupt the texture of the cornbread. The cheese should be sprinkled evenly over the meat mixture to create a golden, bubbly topping.

For added flavor, consider browning the ground beef in a cast iron skillet before transferring it to the baking dish. The skillet will impart a deeper, smokier flavor to the meat. Additionally, if you prefer a spicier casserole, opt for hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.

Finally, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

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 Customizing Your Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

One of the best things about the Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try using plant-based crumbles or lentils as a protein substitute.

To add more vegetables, consider incorporating diced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn kernels into the meat mixture. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add texture and flavor. For a Tex-Mex twist, mix in a can of black beans or a handful of chopped jalapeños.

Cheese lovers can experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella creates a milder, gooey topping. You can also mix cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.

If you’re short on time, use pre-shredded cheese and pre-diced vegetables to speed up the prep process. Alternatively, prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

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Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 464 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Protein: 17g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 86mg
• Sodium: 1025mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 13g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze Cowboy Cornbread Casserole?

Yes! This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Can I Use Homemade Cornbread Mix Instead of Jiffy?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade cornbread, use your favorite recipe or mix. Just ensure the batter has a similar consistency to the Jiffy mix for best results.

What Can I Serve with Cowboy Cornbread Casserole?

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or coleslaw for a balanced dinner.

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Why Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a Must-Try

The Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that brings people together. Its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a potluck, this casserole is sure to earn rave reviews.

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So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and satisfying meal, give this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole a try. With its irresistible combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and sweet cornbread, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.

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Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board or save it for later. You’ll want to have it handy for those busy weeknights when comfort food is calling your name!

Happy cooking! 🍴