This Cornbread Taco Bake is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for taco lovers! With a tasty cornbread layer on top, it’s filled with seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese. Yum!
What’s great is how all the flavors mix together, making it a fun meal for family or friends. I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream on top—because who wouldn’t want extra creaminess?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find a premade mix, you can make your own with flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and milk. I love how easy the boxed mix makes this recipe!
Ground Beef or Turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative if you’re watching your fat intake. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices!
Taco Seasoning: You can use homemade taco seasoning if you prefer, combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. It adds great flavor without any extra additives!
Black Beans: If you’re not a fan of black beans, you can substitute kidney beans or pinto beans. They all add protein and fiber, and bring a nice texture to the dish.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to switch it up with pepper jack for a little kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Both melt beautifully!
How Can I Ensure the Cornbread Bakes Perfectly?
Getting the cornbread texture just right is crucial for this dish. Start by following the mixing instructions but avoid overmixing. A few lumps are okay; this keeps the cornbread light and fluffy.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F. A hot oven helps achieve that nice rise.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish to ensure uniform cooking.
- Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the cornbread – it should come out clean without any wet batter clinging to it.
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cornbread Base:
- 1 box cornbread mix (8.5 oz)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded (for garnish)
- 1 tomato, diced (for garnish)
- 1/3 cup black olives, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you should set aside about 45-50 minutes to make this delightful Cornbread Taco Bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, take a moment to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cornbread Base:
In a mixing bowl, mix together the cornbread mix, milk, and large egg. Stir the mixture gently until just combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to form your base.
3. Cook the Taco Filling:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it turns brown. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat. Add in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, mixing everything well. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors can come together nicely.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Carefully spoon the cooked meat mixture evenly over the cornbread base in the baking dish. Then, in a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Spread this creamy mixture over the meat layer for extra flavor.
5. Top with Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the sour cream layer to create a delicious cheesy top.
6. Bake:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt and bubble, and the cornbread to be fully cooked through.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Before serving, garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and fresh cilantro if you like. Serve warm, and enjoy your tasty Cornbread Taco Bake!
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken for the ground beef or turkey. Just make sure to cook it until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink, as chicken tends to have a slightly different cooking time.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No problem! You can easily make your own taco seasoning by combining 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste if you like it spicier!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on low or in the oven until hot, covering with foil to retain moisture.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the meat until they’re tender before layering. Enjoy your veggie-packed taco bake!
