If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting warmth of cornbread, then look no further! Our Fiesta Cornbread Taco Bake is a mouthwatering fusion of Tex-Mex goodness that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Packed with savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, hearty black beans, and sweet corn kernels, all topped with a golden layer of cheesy cornbread, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) packet of taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 (8.5 oz) box of corn muffin mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the packet of taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread the drained diced tomatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked ground beef mixture, followed by the rinsed and drained black beans and thawed corn kernels.
- Prepare the Cornbread Topping: In a mixing bowl, prepare the corn muffin mix according to the package instructions, using the egg and milk. Stir until just combined. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the Cornbread Topping: Carefully spread the cornbread batter over the top of the ground beef and vegetable mixture in the baking dish, covering it completely.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the Fiesta Cornbread Taco Bake from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro, if desired.
- Serve Warm: Allow the Fiesta Cornbread Taco Bake to cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm, with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or avocado slices.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or cooked lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend, to customize the flavor profile of your dish.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Adaptation: To make this recipe keto-friendly, omit the cornbread topping and instead use a mixture of shredded cheese and beaten eggs as a crust. Simply spread the cheese and egg mixture over the meat and vegetable layer before baking.
- Low-Carb Variation: Reduce the amount of corn muffin mix or use a low-carb alternative, such as almond flour or coconut flour, to make the cornbread topping. Additionally, use black soybeans instead of black beans to further reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions for browning the meat.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the Fiesta Cornbread Taco Bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting with a cold dish.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, leftovers can be frozen for future enjoyment. Simply allow the dish to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and store them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.
With its irresistible combination of savory flavors and comforting textures, our Fiesta Cornbread Taco Bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining a crowd for game day festivities, this easy and delicious dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in a fiesta of flavor with this mouthwatering Tex-Mex-inspired casserole!
