This Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun twist on dinner! With layers of tasty taco meat, beans, and creamy cheese, all topped with a fluffy cornbread mix, it’s sure to please everyone.
It’s like having tacos and cornbread all in one dish—how cool is that? I love to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking—because, why not? Just grab a fork and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: This is the base of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own from scratch with cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gluten-free cornmeal works too!
Ground Beef or Turkey: Ground turkey is a healthier alternative and works nicely. You could also use chicken or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that still packs flavor.
Taco Seasoning: While a packet is quick, you can easily mix your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. This gives you control over spice levels and avoids extra preservatives.
Black Beans: If you’re not a fan, kidney beans or pinto beans can be swapped in. These options still provide a good texture and nutritional boost.
Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa, but homemade is fantastic if you have the time! Adjust the heat to your liking—mild for kids, spicy for adults.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Meat for This Recipe?
Cooking ground beef or turkey to perfection is key for a delicious Cornbread Taco Bake. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring the skillet to medium heat and add the meat. Break it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly.
- Cook until nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Don’t skip draining the excess fat! It keeps the dish from getting greasy.
- Mix in your taco seasoning and additional ingredients, allowing them to meld together for those rich flavors.
Taking these steps will ensure your filling is tasty and satisfying, making the entire bake a hit!
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cornbread Base:
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup salsa
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded (for topping)
- 1 medium tomato, diced (for topping)
- Sliced black olives (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cornbread Taco Bake recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, and then you’ll bake it for 25-30 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish, plus a few minutes to cool before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your Cornbread Taco Bake cooks evenly and the cheese gets bubbly and delicious.
2. Prepare the Cornbread Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Mix it gently until just blended—don’t overmix! Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. This will form the yummy base for your taco bake.
3. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or turkey until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish nice and not too greasy.
4. Add Taco Flavor:
To the skillet with the cooked meat, add the taco seasoning, drained black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix everything well and let it cook together for about 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and fragrant. Yum!
5. Layer the Taco Filling:
Now, pour the hearty meat mixture over the cornbread layer in your baking dish. Be sure to spread it out so every bite has a good balance of meat and cornbread.
6. Mix and Add Sour Cream:
In a small bowl, take half of the shredded cheese and mix it with the sour cream. Dollop this cheesy mixture over the meat layer, spreading it out as evenly as possible for a creamy finish.
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of your creation. This will melt beautifully and add a wonderful texture to your bake.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish 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. Add the Fresh Toppings:
Once baked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, top with the chopped green onions, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and sliced black olives for a fresh crunch.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious and comforting Cornbread Taco Bake with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef or turkey for ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based substitute like lentils or crumbled tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, especially for any raw meat alternatives.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornbread Mix?
If you don’t have cornbread mix, you can make your own! Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add 1/3 cup milk and 1 large egg as directed in the original recipe.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the meat with additional black beans, chickpeas, or diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for extra flavor. Make sure to use vegetarian taco seasoning for the best taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
