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Cheesy Taco Cornbread Casserole


  • Author: Sophia

Description

A hearty, layered casserole that starts with a golden cornbread base and builds with seasoned beef, Mexicorn and Rotel. Topped with a creamy cheese-and-sour-cream mixture and finished with melted Mexican cheese, this one-dish bake is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

7-ounce packet cornbread mix
½ cup milk
1 large egg
1 pound ground beef
3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or one packet)
⅓ cup water
11-ounce can Mexicorn, drained
10-ounce can Rotel, drained
2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
½ cup chopped green onions
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, taco sauce


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×9-inch (or 2½-quart) baking dish with nonstick spray. In a medium bowl stir together the cornbread mix, milk and egg until just combined, then spread the batter evenly in the prepared dish. Bake until the top looks set and lightly golden, about fifteen minutes, then remove from the oven.

While the cornbread bakes, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning, water, drained Mexicorn and drained Rotel. Simmer for two to three minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture is slightly thickened.

Spoon the beef and vegetable layer over the baked cornbread, spreading it into an even layer. In a clean bowl combine the sour cream with one cup of the shredded cheese blend and the chopped green onions, stirring until smooth. Gently dollop and spread this creamy mixture over the beef layer, taking care not to mix the layers.

Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered until hot and the cheese is melted, about twenty-five minutes. Let the bake rest for five minutes before slicing.

Serve warm with optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, sliced olives, diced tomatoes or a drizzle of taco sauce.

Notes

For a lighter topping, substitute half the sour cream with Greek yogurt without altering the flavor profile.

Adjust the level of spice by choosing mild or hot Rotel, or by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to three days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave until warmed through.