This Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun twist on dinner. It combines yummy ground beef, taco spices, and layers of cornbread for a warm, hearty meal!
It’s great for family nights when everyone can dig in. I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream on top. Who doesn’t enjoy a little extra creaminess? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: This is the base of the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use homemade cornbread using cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, and egg. It lets you control the ingredients!
Ground Beef or Turkey: I often go for ground turkey as it’s leaner, but you can use cooked black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version. It adds great protein and pairs perfectly with the taco seasonings.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if you’re short on time. Adjust the spices to suit your taste.
Canned Tomatoes with Green Chilies: For added flavor, opt for fire-roasted tomatoes with mild green chilies. If you want more heat, go for spicy diced tomatoes instead. You could also use regular diced tomatoes and add fresh jalapeños.
Cheese: Cheddar is perfect for this dish. However, feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or pepper jack will provide a nice creaminess and a kick. If you need a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese.
How Do I Ensure My Cornbread is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the cornbread just right is key to a great Cornbread Taco Bake. Here’s how:
- Mix the cornbread batter gently. Overmixing can lead to tough cornbread.
- Spread the batter evenly in the baking dish so it cooks uniformly.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!
Let it cool for a couple of minutes before topping—this lets the cornbread firm up a bit, making it easier to slice later! Your bake will come out perfect every time.
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cornbread Layer:
- 1 (8.5 oz) package cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for topping)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Cornbread Taco Bake takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying this delicious meal in about an hour from start to finish—perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Grease the Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cornbread Batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir it all together gently until just mixed. Then, pour this cornbread batter into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom. This will be your delicious base!
3. Cook the Ground Meat:
Next, take a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook it until it’s browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary. Then, stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Keep cooking this mixture for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
4. Assemble the Layers:
Take your cooked meat mixture and spoon it evenly over the cornbread layer in the baking dish. Now, sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese on top of the meat layer to make it all cheesy and delicious!
5. Add the Sour Cream Mixture:
In another bowl, mix the sour cream with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Carefully spread this creamy mixture over the meat and cheese layer you’ve just assembled.
6. Bake the Dish:
Now it’s time to bake! Place your assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cornbread is cooked through and the top is all golden brown. Yum!
7. Cool and Add Toppings:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, top it off with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you like.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice up your Cornbread Taco Bake and serve it warm. Enjoy every delicious bite with family or friends! It’s a meal that’s sure to please!
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Ground Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to cook the protein thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Cornbread Mix?
No worries! You can make a simple cornbread substitute by mixing 1 cup of cornmeal with 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1 cup of milk, and 1 egg. This will give you a similar texture to store-bought cornbread mix!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, as it will be cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or water before reheating to keep it moist!
