Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Taco Cornbread Casserole
Tex-Mex Cornbread Casserole 🌽🌶️
Looking for an easy, filling dinner that comes together with a handful of simple ingredients? This Tex-Mex Cornbread Casserole is a delicious one-dish meal that combines seasoned ground beef, chunky salsa, melted cheddar cheese, and a golden cornbread topping. Everything is layered in a single baking dish and cooked until the flavors come together and the cornbread turns beautifully golden. It’s a convenient, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Pair this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad, sliced avocado, or a spoonful of sour cream for a refreshing contrast. Black beans, roasted vegetables, or crunchy tortilla chips also make excellent sides. For a final burst of freshness, add chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 ½ lb |
| Chunky salsa | 1 jar (16 oz) |
| Corn muffin mix | 2 boxes (8.5 oz each), prepared |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 ½ cups |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Add the ground beef:
Evenly crumble the raw ground beef across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it into a consistent layer.
3. Spread the salsa:
Pour the chunky salsa over the ground beef, making sure it covers the surface as evenly as possible.
4. Add the cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the salsa layer, distributing it evenly throughout the dish.
5. Prepare the cornbread topping:
Mix the corn muffin batter according to the package instructions. Carefully spread the prepared batter over the cheese layer, covering the filling.
6. Bake the casserole:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, until the cornbread topping is golden and a food thermometer confirms that the ground beef has reached 160°F (71°C).
7. Rest and serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to settle and makes serving easier.
Enjoy this warm, cheesy, and satisfying casserole straight from the oven for a delicious meal the whole family can appreciate.
