This Easy Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun and simple dish that’s sure to please! It combines cornbread with tasty taco fixings, plus lots of gooey cheese on top.
What’s not to love? It’s like taco night got a cozy upgrade! I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh salsa for a little extra zing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: I really enjoy using a standard cornbread mix for this recipe, but you can easily make your own. Just mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk. If you need a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free cornbread mix!
Ground Beef: While I usually go with ground beef for its flavor, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian dish.
Taco Seasoning: If you have a pantry full of spices, you can make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the spices to your taste for a unique twist!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes with green chilies add great flavor and moisture. If you don’t have those on hand, you could use plain canned tomatoes and add some chopped jalapeños or chili powder for spice.
What’s the Best Way to Layer Ingredients for Even Cooking?
Layering is key to creating a balanced and flavorful bake. Start with a well-baked cornbread base; it supports all the toppings. When you spread the ground beef and then the sour cream, it creates a barrier that helps keep everything moist.
- Evenly distribute the seasoned beef atop the cornbread so each bite has flavor.
- Spread the sour cream gently so it gets nice and melty as it bakes.
- Top it all off with cheese to create a delicious, golden crust when baked.
Let it cool a bit before serving to help the layers set, making it easier to cut into squares!
Easy Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients
- For the Cornbread:
- 1 box cornbread mix (about 8.5 oz)
- Ingredients needed to prepare cornbread (usually egg, milk, and oil or butter as per package instructions)
- For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
Time Needed
This Easy Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30-35 minutes to bake. It’s a quick and delightful dish that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step will ensure that your taco bake cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Cornbread Base
In a mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to the package instructions. Once mixed, pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This will be the delicious base of your taco bake.
3. Bake the Cornbread
Place the dish in the oven and bake the cornbread for about 10-12 minutes. You want it to just start to set, but not fully bake yet. This layer will finish cooking with the taco toppings!
4. Cook the Ground Beef
While the cornbread is baking, take a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Be sure to drain any excess fat after it’s browned.
5. Add Taco Seasoning
Next, add the taco seasoning mix to the beef, along with the amount of water indicated on the seasoning packet. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the liquid reduces slightly to concentrate those flavorful taco seasonings.
6. Mix in Tomatoes and Corn
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and corn into the beef mixture. Allow everything to cook together for another couple of minutes so the flavors meld.
7. Layering the Bake
Once the cornbread is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the top of the cornbread, followed by a generous layer of sour cream.
8. Add Cheese
Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese over the sour cream layer, creating a melty cheese layer that will be delightful once baked.
9. Final Baking
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling. You want a nice golden crust on the cheese!
10. Cool and Garnish
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, top the bake with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and the remaining cheese for a fresh and colorful finish.
11. Serve
Cut into squares and serve warm. For extra yum, you can add dollops of salsa or guacamole on the side, or a little more sour cream to brighten up the flavors.
This Easy Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake is not only satisfying but brings together all the best parts of taco night with the sweetness of cornbread! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake
Can I Use Alternative Ground Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat option for a lighter or vegetarian dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make your Cornbread Taco Bake gluten-free, use a gluten-free cornbread mix and check your taco seasoning for gluten-free certification. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but do double-check labels to be safe!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cornbread and the beef filling a day in advance. Keep them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake the next day. This makes for a quick and easy dinner when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or in the oven until heated through. You might want to add a little splash of water when reheating to keep it moist.
