Viral Cornbread Cowboy Casserole

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Viral Cornbread Cowboy Casserole
A Hearty, Family-Pleasing Tex-Mex Comfort Dish

This easy, crowd-pleasing casserole has taken social media by storm for its perfect combination of savory seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, melty cheese, and a golden, slightly sweet cornbread topping. It’s hearty enough to feed a hungry family, simple enough for weeknight cooking, and versatile enough to customize with whatever you have on hand. Think of it as chili meets cornbread in the coziest possible way — all baked together in one dish.

Serves: 6–8 people
Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Bake time: 25–35 minutes
Dish: 9×13-inch baking pan

Ingredients

Beef Filling Layer

  • 1 lb (450–500 g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (optional but recommended for flavor)
  • 1 packet (about 2–3 Tbsp) taco seasoning (or homemade blend: 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp each cumin, garlic powder, paprika, plus salt & pepper)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup OR cream of chicken soup (for creamy texture)
  • 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained (mild or original — optional for gentle heat)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional — makes it extra hearty)
  • 1–1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend), divided

Cornbread Topping

  • 1 box (8.5 oz / 240 g) Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (or any similar cornbread mix)
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
  • Optional mix-ins: ½ cup extra shredded cheese stirred into the batter, or ½ cup creamed corn for added moisture

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Brown the beef
    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion (if using) until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft, about 7–9 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Season & build the filling
    Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and stir for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices. Add the drained corn, cream soup, Rotel (if using), beans (if using), and about 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined and creamy. Taste and adjust salt/pepper or add extra seasoning if desired.
  4. Layer the filling
    Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese over the top (this creates a delicious melty barrier between the filling and cornbread).
  5. Make the cornbread batter
    In a medium bowl, combine the Jiffy mix, egg, and milk. Stir just until blended — a few small lumps are fine. For a richer topping, fold in extra cheese or creamed corn at this stage.
  6. Top & bake
    Pour the cornbread batter over the beef layer, gently spreading it to cover the entire surface as evenly as possible.
    Bake in the center of the oven for 25–35 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread layer comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  7. Rest & serve
    Let the casserole rest for 8–10 minutes before slicing (this helps it set and makes cleaner cuts). Serve hot.

Popular Serving Ideas

  • A big dollop of sour cream
  • Fresh chopped cilantro and sliced green onions
  • Extra salsa, hot sauce, or diced avocado on the side
  • Simple green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Assemble completely (even unbaked), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 extra minutes.
  • Freezer: Bake fully, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F (175°C) covered until hot.
  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Easy Variations

  • Spicy version → Use hot Rotel, add ½–1 tsp cayenne or diced fresh jalapeños to the filling.
  • Lighter version → Swap ground turkey, use reduced-fat soup and cheese.
  • Extra veggies → Stir in ½ cup diced bell pepper or zucchini with the onion.
  • Double cheese → Mix ½ cup cheese into the cornbread batter for ultra-gooey topping.

This casserole is the definition of cozy, no-fuss comfort food. Once you make it, you’ll understand exactly why everyone keeps sharing it — it’s simple, satisfying, and disappears fast! Enjoy! 🥘

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