Cornbread Taco Bake is a tasty dish that combines the crunch of cornbread with delicious taco toppings. It’s filled with seasoned ground meat, beans, cheese, and your favorite taco fixings!
Who wouldn’t love a meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy? I always serve it with a side of salsa for extra flavor—because everything’s better with a little zing! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Muffin Mix: This is the base of your dish, providing a sweet and buttery flavor. If you don’t have cornbread mix, you can make your own using cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk.
Ground Beef or Turkey: I usually opt for ground turkey for a leaner option. You can also use ground chicken or even plant-based meat substitutes like lentils or black beans to keep it vegetarian.
Kidney Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you want variety, pinto beans or black beans can be great substitutes! Just rinse them before adding to the mix.
Cheddar Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, giving a creamy texture. For a different flavor, feel free to use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, especially for a kick!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and balances the flavors. Greek yogurt works as a healthy alternative, giving a similar tang!
How Do I Layer My Bake for the Best Flavors?
Layering is key in a Cornbread Taco Bake to ensure every bite is delicious. Start with a solid cornbread base since it holds everything together.
- After pouring the cornbread mixture into the baking dish, you want it to set a bit before adding the layers.
- Mix your cooked meat with beans, corn, and tomatoes completely to get the flavors throughout.
- When spreading the sour cream and cheese mix, be gentle. This helps it blend into the meat layer, creating a creamy center.
- Finish with cheese on top so it gets bubbly and golden. It creates a beautiful crust!
Letting it cool slightly before slicing helps keep those layers distinct and makes serving easier.
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cornbread Base:
- 1 (8.5 oz) box cornbread muffin mix
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
For the Topping:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and around 25-30 minutes for baking. So, the total time is about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot while you prepare the dish.
2. Make the Cornbread Base:
In a mixing bowl, throw in the cornbread muffin mix, milk, and egg. Mix everything together well. Once combined, pour this mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This will be the base of your taco bake.
3. Cook the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) together with the diced onion. Stir it around until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep it from being greasy.
4. Add the Good Stuff:
Now it’s time to make it tasty! Add the drained kidney beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and taco seasoning into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until it’s heated through. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
5. Layer the Mixture:
Pour the warm meat mixture evenly over the cornbread base in the baking dish, spreading it out nicely.
6. Add the Sour Cream Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Spread this mixture evenly over the meat layer for an added creamy touch.
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of everything. It will melt beautifully!
8. Bake It:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Yum!
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will help when you slice it into pieces for serving.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Top each slice with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and if you like, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve it up and enjoy your delightful Cornbread Taco Bake!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will work just as well. Just be sure to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cornbread base and the meat mixture in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, assemble them in the baking dish and follow the baking instructions for best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for a substitute for sour cream, Greek yogurt works wonderfully! It will still contribute a creamy texture and tangy flavor. You can also try crème fraîche or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative if needed.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
