Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner that the whole family will love? This Cornbread Taco Bake is the perfect solution! Combining the savory flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and melted cheese with a golden, fluffy cornbread topping, this dish is a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour—making it ideal for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite taco toppings.
- Comfort Food: The perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients for Cornbread Taco Bake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2-3 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with or without green chilies for extra spice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 box cornbread mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box, typically milk and eggs)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful bake:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the Taco Filling
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Bake
- Transfer the taco mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare the Cornbread Topping
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the taco mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or chopped green onions.
Tips for the Best Cornbread Taco Bake
- Add Extra Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Use hot taco seasoning or add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture.
- Use Homemade Cornbread: If you prefer, make your own cornbread batter from scratch instead of using a mix.
- Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping—simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Cornbread Taco Bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A fresh green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
- Guacamole and tortilla chips for a fun appetizer.
- A side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a full fiesta feast.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bake, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Final Thoughts
This Cornbread Taco Bake is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
