This Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun and tasty dish that brings together all your favorite taco flavors! With layers of cornbread, seasoned meat, and cheese, it’s like a fiesta in a pan!
It’s perfect for dinner or a cozy get-together. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love making it on busy nights since it’s super easy and always a hit with family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: For this recipe, a boxed cornbread mix makes it super easy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could make your own from scratch using cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk.
Ground Beef: I prefer ground beef for its flavor, but turkey is a great leaner option. You could use chicken or even meat substitutes like lentils or beans for a vegetarian twist.
Taco Seasoning: The packet makes it quick, but if you don’t have any, a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika works well. You can adjust to your taste!
Black Beans and Corn: These add great texture. If you’re out of black beans, try kidney beans or pinto beans. For corn, fresh corn or even sweet corn will do just fine!
Salsa: Any kind works—mild, medium, or hot. Fresh pico de gallo makes a fresh alternative, adding a nice homemade touch.
How Do I Ensure My Cornbread Taco Bake Comes Out Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the cornbread just right is key! Here are some tips:
- Make sure to preheat your oven properly; this helps the cornbread cook evenly.
- Follow the instructions on the cornbread mix closely and don’t overmix to keep it fluffy.
- Keep an eye on the bake time. Once it’s golden brown, it’s likely done. You can also do a toothpick test—insert one in the center, and if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Let the bake cool a few minutes before serving to make slicing easier and allow the flavors to settle. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bake:
- 1 box cornbread mix (about 8.5 oz)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For The Toppings:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded (for garnish)
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cornbread Taco Bake will take around 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll be ready to serve this delicious dish in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your bake cooks evenly and comes out nice and golden brown.
2. Prepare the Cornbread:
Next, follow the instructions on the cornbread mix box to prepare your cornbread batter. Once it’s mixed well, set it aside while you work on the other ingredients.
3. Cook the Meat Mixture:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it’s browned all over. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Then, stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes until it’s heated through.
4. Assemble the Bake:
Now it’s time to layer! Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread half of the cornbread batter evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, layer the meat mixture over the cornbread batter, and then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Spread the remaining cornbread batter over the cheese, followed by the rest of the cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cornbread is cooked through and has turned a lovely golden brown color.
6. Add Toppings and Serve:
Once baked, let your Cornbread Taco Bake cool for a few minutes. Then, it’s time to get creative! Top it with sour cream, green onions, black olives, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes as you like. Slice it up and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook until the protein is fully browned, and you can use the same amount as specified for ground beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the ground meat with extra black beans, lentils, or veggie crumbles. You can also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for any additional ingredients.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread batter ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no need to thaw!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
