Cornbread Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
680g
- 1 medium yellow onion
), diced (approximately 1 cup
- 1 green bell pepper
), diced (approximately 1 cup
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 8 slices bacon
cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup brown sugar
50g
- 1 can baked beans
), 28 ounces
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
140g
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 cup cornmeal
122g
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
125g
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
50g
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup whole milk
245g
- 2 large eggs
room temperature
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
85g
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese
113g
- parsley
for garnish
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F.
- 2
In a large (the skillet pictured is a 12-inch), oven-safe skillet* over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, onion, green pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink. Remove from heat. Drain grease.
- 3
In a large bowl whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
Cornbread Cowboy Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table? This Cornbread Cowboy Casserole delivers big, satisfying flavors in one convenient dish, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole truly shines with its ingenious two-layered structure. A robust, savory base of seasoned ground beef and tangy baked beans, infused with bacon, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce, provides a rich foundation. Crowned with a light, fluffy, and cheesy cornbread topping, it offers the best of both worlds in every comforting bite.
What to Expect You'll be greeted by a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes in this Cornbread Cowboy Casserole. The ground beef and bean base is deeply flavorful, with the sweetness of baked beans and brown sugar balanced by the tang of barbecue sauce and a hint of Dijon mustard, all enhanced by diced onion, green bell pepper, and crumbled bacon. The cornbread topping, enriched with melted butter and milk, bakes up golden brown and tender, providing a delightful contrast to the hearty base, with pockets of melted cheddar cheese throughout. It’s a complete meal that feels like a warm hug.
Customization & Variations Feel free to make this recipe your own. You could swap the ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile. Experiment with various types of baked beans or barbecue sauces to adjust the sweetness and smokiness to your liking. For an extra kick, a pinch of chili powder can be added to the beef mixture. If mild cheddar isn't your preference, a sharp cheddar or even a Monterey Jack would also melt beautifully into the cornbread.
Serving & Context This Cornbread Cowboy Casserole is the quintessential comfort food, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal. Serve it simply as is, or with a fresh green salad to complete the plate. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes for a vibrant garnish.