This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for any western-style meal. This tasty comfort food meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something simple to assemble and family-friendly.
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Why you'll love this recipe
This cozy casserole is a total weeknight win—warm, filling, and made with everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. It bakes up golden and delicious in about an hour, with barely any fuss.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable—toss in what you love, skip what you don’t, and make it your own with zero stress.
Ingredients you’ll need
This hearty casserole starts with a base of lean ground beef, browned and seasoned to bring out rich, savory flavor. It’s combined with canned corn for sweetness, pinto beans for a little extra cowboy-approved protein, and a can of Ro*tel to add just the right amount of zesty kick.
Everything gets topped with a golden layer of Jiffy cornbread mix—prepared with the simple pantry staples it calls for—baked until fluffy and lightly crisp on top. It’s comfort food with a little yeehaw!
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 casserole dish
Ingredients
- 2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 14.5 ounce can corn lightly drained
- 10 ounce Ro*tel do not drain.
- 14.5 ounce pinto beans do not drain.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix cornbread according to package instructions using eggs and milk, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with the diced onion until no longer pink. Drain well. Add the Rotel, beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
- Spoon meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spoon cornbread overtop and smooth evenly.
- Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the casserole comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil and allow to sit 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Nutrition
Creative variations to try
- You can add cheese like shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese to the ground beef mixture in this casserole.
- Add more spice to this recipe by adding in cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, diced green chilies, or diced jalapenos to the bean mixture.
Step-by-step instructions
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
You can add diced jalapeños, bell peppers, olives or other vegetables to the cornbread mixture. You can also add shredded cheese, spices like chili powder or cumin, and herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Yes, you can definitely make this casserole ahead of time. Just prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve bake as directed.
Yes, you can use a batch of your favorite cornbread instead. Here's a great Southern Cornbread Recipe!
Deb’s tips for the perfect dish
If you want to add vegetables like diced bell peppers, add them with the ground beef and onions so that they soften.
- To check if the casserole is done, Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done! If not, return it to the oven and bake for a few more minutes.
Related recipes
- If you are looking for more casserole recipes likes this one, then you are going to want to check out these Easy Chicken Casserole recipes. You are sure to find something your whole family will love in this list.
- This Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is my favorite easy ground beef recipe to make when I need a main dish that will please young and old alike.
- Are you in the mood for something a little different, but still full of flavor? This Creamy Taco Spaghetti recipe is one of my favorite recipes to make when I need something a little different.
Serve with
I love to serve a hearty meal like this cornbread cowboy casserole with a fresh vegetable side dish like these Steamed Brussel Sprouts or Pan Fried Vegetables. They pair well with this meal.
And if you're looking for a sweet treat to end the meal, my recipe for the No Bake Lemon Icebox Pie is a great choice!
Cornbread casserole is one of those tried-and-true comfort dishes that never goes out of style. Whether you're feeding a hungry crew or just want something hearty and easy, this recipe delivers every time.
If you give it a try, I'd love to hear how you made it your own—drop a comment below or snap a photo and tag me on social! 🧡
Beth says
I’m late to the party but will make this today! Would a high heat oil like avocado work instead of nonstick spray? It comes in a spray can too, though without additives or lecithin, which is what makes non-stick products not stick. I don’t mind buying a nonstick spray if that’s better, just stopped using it since it’s not good to use in air fryer baskets, and I air fry tons. Thanks!
Debra Clark says
Beth, I believe the avocado spray would work just fine. Oftentimes, people use butter to prep the pan, and it contains just a minuscule amount of lecithin, and it works fine. I think you'd be good!
Lois says
This is a wonderful meal. It is all so tasty. And so easy to put together.
Debra Clark says
Fantastic! I'm glad you enjoyed this easy casserole!
Kimberley Coulter says
What size casserole dish do you use?
Bowl Me Over says
9x13 casserole dish.
Julie Evink says
I love this cornbread casserole because it uses pantry ingredients that are easy to keep on hand for last minute dinners, plus my kids clean their plates when I serve it!
Alyssa says
I've never heard of cowboy cornbread casserole before. I think it looks delicious and I think my family would really enjoy it. I can't wait to give it a try!
Camden Rusincovitch says
A good cornbread casserole like this one makes me smile thinking about growing up in the South. Not only that, but it makes my stomach growl!
Brenda Sczepanik says
Could this be made in a crock pot or air fryer?
Bowl Me Over says
I haven't used either to make the cowboy cornbread recipe. You'd need to change the serving size to fit in the air fryer. The slow cooker has potential. If you tried that, I would put paper towels over the top before adding the lid. It would help absorb condensation and keep the top of the cornbread crispy. Swing back and let me know how it turns out for you. Enjoy the casserole, thanks Brenda!
Cynthia Rusincovitch says
I haven't thought of this recipe in years until I found this on Pinterest. My kids have decided they love Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Who knew?! I'm just relieved I can add something else to the rotation they will actually eat!
Bowl Me Over says
That's awesome! Glad the Cowboy Casserole is hit with the family - score one for Mom!
Kristen Yard says
Can I substitute a gluten free cornbread mix for the topping of this cornbread casserole, or will that mess it up? Thank you!
Bowl Me Over says
That substitution would totally work for the cornbread casserole - enjoy!
betty morris says
tried it really good
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, glad you enjoyed the dish Betty, the Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a winner! Thanks for sharing!!
Brittany says
This cowboy cornbread casserole is so easy to make and my family loves it!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, glad it was a hit!
Penni Quick Detweiler says
You listed the nutritional info as 651 cal ,is that per serving and what is considered a serving size or is that for the whole dish?
Bowl Me Over says
That is per serving Penni. There are approximately 8 servings in the dish. Just portion out accordingly.
CASSANDRA says
Girl you and me both this will definitely be a repeat my children absolutely love anything with jalapeno peppers in it anything that has to do with a taco. And I'm sure they will add some shredded cheese and sour cream to top this off we shall see.
CASSANDRA ugan says
All I can say is oh my goodness this was delicious definitely adding it to our favorite recipes thank you so much for sharing God bless you and have a fantastic weekend
Theresa says
Delicious! I'm not a fan of Pinto beans, so I used black beans. I also used southwestern corn because it includes pablano and red pepper. This is an instant favorite meal and the best recipie I've tried in quite some time. Thank you!
Larry Earles says
I'm confused. Ingredient list says "do not drain" the pinto beans and Rotel and drain lightly on the can corn. The directions say to rinse beans and drain corn. Maybe I'm missing something in the directions here.
Bowl Me Over says
Sorry Larry, I recently updated the post and tweaked the instructions, but didn't update it everywhere, my apologies! No need to drain the beans. This keeps it a little saucier, which makes it even better! Enjoy the casserole!!
Misty says
I read it as lightly draining the corn. Do not drain the Rotel or pinto beans since you need that liquid. But drain the grease off of the hamburger once it’s fried.
Melanie says
I made this tonight and the whole family really loved it. I swapped out the jiffy for another (less sweet) brand, then added some jalapenos for heat. It was incredible. I had never heard of cowboy cornbread casserole until I saw your recipe - it's now tucked firmly into my recipe box. ❤️
Bowl Me Over says
That's awesome, I'm so glad you enjoy this recipe, I agree this is a real winner!!
Debra White says
Do you use two boxes of cornbread mix or just one?
Bowl Me Over says
Yes that's correct you'll use two boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix.
Phyllis Abney says
What is considered a serving size of the Cowboy Cornbread Casserole?
Bowl Me Over says
Figure about 8 servings total. I don't have the exact size.
Kathy says
Really good and simple.
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful, glad you're enjoying the recipe Kathy!
Milton Kendall says
Taste delicious
Stacey Johnston says
I love it!!! Easy and good!
Gary Silvis says
Absolutely fantastic recipe, although I used my own recipe for cornbread and I used kidney beans, great simple flavor backed dinner! 100% recommended!!!