This Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun twist on taco night! It features a hearty layer of seasoned ground beef and beans topped with fluffy cornbread that bakes to a beautiful golden color.
If you’re like me, you love a dish that combines your favorite flavors into one easy recipe! Plus, it’s perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying leftovers. Who doesn’t love taco flavors made simple? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: This is the base of your dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might make your own cornbread from scratch using cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and butter.
Ground Beef or Turkey: I usually opt for ground turkey for a lighter option, but ground chicken or even plant-based meat substitutes work well too if you prefer a vegetarian version.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought is quick and easy, but homemade blends are fun too! Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder to make your own mix.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a change, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a nice twist!
Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option. It offers a similar tang and creaminess.
How Do I Get the Cornbread Perfectly Soft and Fluffy?
A key step is mixing the cornbread batter gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so just stir until you no longer see dry flour. For a fluffy cornbread, let your oven preheat thoroughly to around 400°F (200°C) before baking.
- Combine cornbread mix, egg, and milk just until mixed.
- Spread the batter evenly in your greased baking dish to ensure even cooking.
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cornbread Base:
- 1 box cornbread mix (about 8.5 oz)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
For The Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz), drained
- 1 can corn (15 oz), drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
For Topping and Garnish:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup romaine lettuce, shredded (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cornbread taco bake will take around 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to bake. Total time to enjoy this delightful dish is roughly 45 minutes—perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting it nice and hot ensures our cornbread bakes perfectly!
2. Make the Cornbread Batter:
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk. Mix gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! Set this batter aside while you prepare the filling.
3. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Make sure to drain any excess fat if needed. Once it’s nicely browned, stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and corn. Cook all this together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
4. Assemble the Bake:
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, pour the cornbread batter evenly across the bottom to create the base. Next, spread the meat mixture on top of the cornbread layer—this is going to pack in the flavor! Then, dollop the sour cream on top, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Top it Off:
Gently spread the remaining cornbread batter over the top of everything. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover perfectly—we want it to be a bit rustic. It will still taste amazing!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cornbread should turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Finish and Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and sliced black olives on top. For that fresh touch, garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cilantro if you like. Serve warm and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just make sure to cook the meat until it’s browned and heated through, as with the original recipe!
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No problem! You can make a simple homemade taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Mix about 1 tablespoon of each and adjust to your taste!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the meat with canned beans like black beans or pinto beans. You can also add some diced bell peppers and sauté them along with the beans for added flavor.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the cornbread taco bake a day ahead. Just store it covered in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
