Description

This Hearty Southern Loaded Cornbread Casserole is a comforting dish filled with savory ground meat, sweet corn, creamy beans, and gooey cheese, all topped with a golden cornbread crust. It brings warmth and togetherness, perfect for family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 large Onion, chopped
1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
1 pound Ground Beef
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can Corn, drained
1 (15-ounce) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 (8-ounce) can Tomato Sauce
1 tablespoon Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Ground Cumi
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, plus more for topping
1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, plus more for topping
1 (8.5-ounce) package Cornbread Mix
1 Egg
1/3 cup Milk

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper; sauté for 5-7 minutes
Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat
Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne; cook for 1 minute
Incorporate drained corn, rinsed black beans, undrained diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce; bring to simmer, season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5-10 minutes
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted
Pour the meat and bean mixture into the prepared baking dish
In a bowl, combine cornbread mix, egg, and milk; stir until just combined. Do not overmix
Spread cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture, then top with more cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
Bake for 25-30 minutes until cornbread is golden brown and filling is bubbly
Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving

Notes

You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Feel free to modify vegetables or proteins based on preferences.

For a spicier version, increase the cayenne or add jalapeño.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg