Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an explosive flavor adventure that'll have your family begging for seconds! This Taco Bake Taco Pie Mexican Cornbread Casserole is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that combines the zesty punch of Mexican-inspired flavors with the comforting embrace of homemade cornbread. Imagine a dish so irresistible that it blends the best of tacos, casseroles, and cornbread into one mouthwatering masterpiece that will become your new go-to recipe for family dinners, potlucks, and weekend gatherings!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 box cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your Taco Bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir to combine. Follow the instructions on the seasoning packet, usually adding a small amount of water to help distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Add the drained corn and black beans to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow this mixture to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- While the beef and bean mixture is cooking, prepare the cornbread topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Once the beef mixture is done cooking, remove it from the heat. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef, corn, and black bean mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
- Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the cheese, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface. It’s okay if some of the cheese and beef mixture peeks through.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the Taco Bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into portions.
- Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your Taco Bake Taco Pie Mexican Cornbread Casserole with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or chopped green onions.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using ground turkey or a blend of ground beef and chorizo instead of plain ground beef.
- Customize your cheese blend by mixing cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for added depth of flavor.
- Make sure to drain corn and beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
- Don't overmix the cornbread batter—this can lead to tough, dense topping. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a hot taco seasoning.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and stress-free.
- Serve with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, or salsa to let everyone customize their plate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
