This Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun and hearty meal that combines cornbread with all your favorite taco toppings. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? I just mix the taco ingredients, pour on the cornbread batter, and bake! It’s like a fiesta in the oven. 🌮🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: This is the base of your dish. If you want to make your own mix, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt. It’s also okay to use a gluten-free cornbread mix if you’re avoiding gluten.
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its flavor, but ground turkey is a healthier option. You could also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version or even cooked beans for extra protein.
Black Beans: This adds fiber and protein. If you’re not a fan, you can swap with pinto beans or kidney beans. Canned beans are convenient, but cooking dried beans is another great option if you have time!
Cheddar Cheese: I always go for sharp cheddar because it brings a robust flavor. If you want to mix things up, try Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for some heat. Dairy-free cheese can also work well here.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. Greek yogurt is a good substitute, offering a tangy taste and more protein. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.
How Do I Get The Cornbread Just Right?
Getting that cornbread layer to be fluffy and not too dense is key! Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix the cornbread mixture until just combined. Over-mixing can make it tough.
- Spread it evenly in your baking dish to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Don’t skip greasing the dish! It helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier.
Trust me, cornbread that’s fluffy makes this dish even better!
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cornbread Layer:
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cornbread Taco Bake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure nothing sticks.
2. Prepare the Cornbread Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir until everything is just mixed together, being careful not to overmix. Pour this cornbread mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to cover the bottom.
3. Cook the Taco Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef (or turkey) and cook until it’s fully browned. Once cooked, drain any extra grease. Next, stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Cook this mixture for 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through, then take it off the heat.
4. Assemble the Cornbread Taco Bake:
Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the cornbread layer in your baking dish. In another bowl, mix the sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar cheese, then spread this mixture over the beef layer. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake and Serve:
Place your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Once baked, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
6. Add the Fresh Toppings:
Before serving, top your Cornbread Taco Bake with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives. If you like, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for added flavor. Slice it into squares and enjoy your warm, tasty meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef, offering a leaner option. Just follow the recipe as directed, but keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey may cook a bit faster.
What Can I Use Instead of Black Beans?
If you’re not a fan of black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the mixture for the best flavor and texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the cornbread taco bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, chopped onions, or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the ground meat until they’re tender.
