The BEST Cowboy Cornbread Casserole – Hearty & Delicious!

This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with bold flavor and satisfying texture—made lighter so you can enjoy it any day of the week. It’s the ultimate fusion of chili and cornbread in one dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Dish Meal: Everything bakes in one dish for easy cooking and cleanup.
Satisfying & Balanced: Loaded with lean protein, fiber, and just the right touch of sweetness from the cornbread.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

For the Beef Layer:

• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 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 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar substitute
• Optional: 1/4 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese for topping

Instructions

Make the Beef Layer:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
• Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing until soft (about 3–5 minutes).
• Stir in beans, corn, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
• Pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.

Prepare Cornbread Topping:

• In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk almond milk, egg, and honey.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed—do not overmix.
• Spread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle cheese on top, if using.

Bake the Casserole:

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 290
• Carbs: 28g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the beef layer simmer helps meld all the flavors.
• Customize the Veggies: Add zucchini, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for extra bulk and nutrition.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate—add the topping and bake when ready to serve.
• Check the Cornbread: Use a toothpick to make sure the cornbread is baked through.

Why This Recipe Works

• Perfect Flavor Combo: The spicy-savory beef layer and sweet cornbread are made for each other.
• Balanced Macros: High in protein and fiber, moderate in carbs, and satisfying without being heavy.
• Easy to Modify: Works well with plant-based ground meat or dairy-free cheese if needed.

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole delivers bold, comforting flavors in a lighter package. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes—tasty, wholesome, and so easy to make.