This Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun twist on taco night! It’s made with layers of cornbread, seasoned beef, and lots of cheese, which makes it super cheesy and satisfying.
Who knew dinner could be this easy and delicious? I love how you can just throw it all together and have a hearty meal ready in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers—if there are any! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornmeal: This is the backbone of our cornbread base, giving it that classic texture. If you need a gluten-free option, try using cornmeal alone or a gluten-free baking mix.
Ground Beef: While I love good ol’ ground beef, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian twist, use black beans or lentils with taco seasoning instead.
Taco Seasoning: You can use a store-bought packet for convenience or make your own at home with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Homemade is a great way to adjust the flavor to your liking!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice for this dish, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or a Mexican-blend cheese will melt well and add different taste notes.
How Do I Get the Cornbread Just Right?
Getting your cornbread to the right texture is key. Here are a few tips:
- Mix the dry ingredients separately from the wet—this helps avoid over-mixing, which can make it tough.
- Only stir until the ingredients are combined. A few lumps are okay!
- Don’t bake the cornbread too long. You want it to be lightly set because it’ll continue to cook when you add the beef mixture on top.
Trust me, paying attention to these details will lead to a fluffy, tender cornbread base that’s the perfect foundation for your taco bake!
Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cornbread Base:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
For Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake takes about 45 minutes total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and baking the cornbread, then another 20 minutes assembling and baking the entire dish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up to prevent sticking!
2. Make the Cornbread Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. In another bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and melted butter together. Then, fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until they’re just blended—don’t overmix; that’s key for fluffy cornbread!
3. Bake the Cornbread Base:
Pour the cornbread batter into your prepared baking dish and pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes or until it starts to set. You want it to be firm but not completely done.
4. Cook the Beef Filling:
While the cornbread is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat. Then stir in the taco seasoning, corn, and diced tomatoes. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld those flavors together!
5. Assemble the Bake:
When the cornbread is out of the oven, spread the beef mixture evenly over the top of it. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef to create a melty layer.
6. Bake Again:
Return your dish to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Top it Off:
Once done, take it out and spread sour cream over the top. Add the remaining cheese, followed by a generous amount of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives for a burst of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the bake into squares and serve it warm. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy and savory Cornbread Taco Bake! It’s perfect for family dinners or when you have friends over!
This recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and bring smiles to the table. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even go vegetarian using black beans or lentils for a hearty option. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly for leaner meats!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour in the cornbread mix. Ensure that your taco seasoning is also gluten-free.
Can I Add More Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Avocado, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro would all make delicious additions. Just add them right before serving for the best freshness.
