Beefy Cornbread Casserole
When the chilly weather rolls in and youโre craving a hearty, comforting meal, this Beefy Cornbread Casserole is the perfect solution. Straight from the pages of Taste of Home Magazine, this one-dish wonder is a breeze to make and promises to warm you up from the inside out. With a savory blend of ground beef, melted cheese, and tender cornbread, itโs an ideal choice for potlucks, winter dinners, or a satisfying brunch. Pair it with a crisp salad, and youโve got yourself a complete meal thatโs both easy and delicious.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Bell Pepper: 1, diced (any color you prefer)
- Cornbread Mix: 2 to 3 cups (based on package instructions)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Milk: 3/4 cup
- Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded (cheddar or your favorite variety)
- Corn Kernels: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and come out perfectly.
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Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until itโs browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, which should take an additional 3-4 minutes. Set this mixture aside.
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Mix the Cornbread Batter:
- While your beef mixture is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the cornbread mix with the salt and baking soda. Stir in the corn kernels, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until the batter is well combined and smooth.
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Assemble the Casserole:
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Grease a 13×9-inch casserole dish generously. Pour half of the cornbread batter into the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese over the batter.
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Next, layer the beef mixture over the cheese, spreading it out evenly. Follow with the remaining cornbread batter, pouring it gently over the beef mixture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
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Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, check the casserole; if the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, itโs ready. If not, continue baking for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the toothpick test confirms itโs cooked through.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into portions. Serve hot, paired with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 785.1
- Total Fat: 51.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 18.2 g
- Cholesterol: 164.6 mg
- Sodium: 1679.9 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48.7 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.7 g
- Sugars: 11.2 g
- Protein: 32.8 g
Tips for Success
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Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese for varied flavors. A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack can add a delightful twist.
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Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
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Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Enjoy this savory, satisfying Beefy Cornbread Casserole as a comforting meal thatโs both easy to prepare and delightful to eat. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish! ๐ฒ๐ง๐ฝ
