Classic Cornbread Casserole
This hearty casserole features a savory ground beef and bean filling topped with a fluffy, golden cornbread crust, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Topping
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the Savory Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, then drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Build the Flavor
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, and chicken broth; simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Add Cheese to Filling
- Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the filling.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour the prepared savory filling evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Make the Cornbread Batter
- In one bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter, then combine wet and dry ingredients.
Top and Bake
- Carefully spoon the cornbread batter over the hot filling and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Rest and Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to ensure the filling sets and makes for easier scooping.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chili powder and cumin. You can also substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter version. Make sure not to overmix the cornbread batter, as it can lead to a tough texture. This casserole reheats well and is great for meal prepping. Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro!