This Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun and tasty dish that combines the flavors of tacos and sweet cornbread. It’s easy to make with ground beef, beans, and all your favorite taco toppings!
Don’t you love a dish that has everything in one pan? Plus, you can customize it with toppings like cheese and sour cream. I always sneak in extra cheese—because, why not? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: This is the base of the dish. You can use a homemade cornbread mix if you prefer. If you’re gluten-free, look for a GF cornbread mix instead.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Lean ground turkey is a great lower-fat option. You can also use ground chicken or even meat alternatives like lentils or tempeh for a vegetarian twist!
Taco Seasoning: If you’re out, it’s simple to make your own with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. You can adjust spiciness by adding cayenne or using a milder blend.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar gives great flavor, you can substitute Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Feel free to mix in pepper jack for extra spice!
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works really well in place of sour cream, adding protein and a tangy flavor while keeping it creamy.
How Do I Cook the Ground Meat Perfectly?
Getting a flavorful meat mixture is crucial for this recipe. The goal is to brown the meat well and incorporate the onions and seasoning. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet to medium, then add ground meat. Break it up with a spatula.
- Add diced onions as the meat cooks, so they soften and add flavor.
- Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, and drain any excess fat to keep it from being greasy.
- Mix in the taco seasoning, drained tomatoes, and corn. Let it cook another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.
These steps will give you a tasty filling that holds together nicely in your cornbread bake! Enjoy!
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cornbread Base:
- 1 (8.5 oz) package cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For Topping and Garnish:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded (for garnish)
- 1 cup tomato, diced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need about 40 minutes total to make this delicious Cornbread Taco Bake from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, the oven is hot and ready when it’s time to bake!
2. Prepare the Cornbread Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. Once combined, spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. This will be your base.
3. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Add Flavor with Taco Seasoning:
Once the meat is browned, add the taco seasoning, drained diced tomatoes, and corn to the skillet. Stir everything well and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until it’s heated through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Layer the Meat Mixture:
Pour the meat mixture evenly over the cornbread layer that you prepared in the baking pan. Spread it out so every piece gets a bit of the yummy filling!
6. Mix and Spread the Sour Cream:
In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. After it’s well combined, spread this creamy mixture over the meat layer in your baking pan.
7. Add the Toppings:
Now it’s time to top it off! Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the sliced black olives evenly over the sour cream layer.
8. Bake Until Delicious:
Put the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
9. Cool and Garnish:
After baking, remove the Cornbread Taco Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro if you like.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to eat! Cut the Cornbread Taco Bake into squares and serve warm. Enjoy this tasty dish with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, plant-based meat, or even beans for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that any meat you choose is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the cornbread layer.
What If I Don’t Have Cornbread Mix?
No problem! You can make your own cornbread mix by combining 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Just add the same amount of milk and egg as the recipe states!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it! Just wrap the cooled bake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and it will last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, jalapeños, or even zucchini to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. Just dice them and sauté with the onion until they soften before adding the meat.
