This Easy Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun mix of flavors! It’s got a soft cornbread base topped with seasoned meat, cheese, and all the taco fixings. Yum!
It’s like having tacos in a cozy blanket of cornbread! I love how simple it is to make—just whip it up and watch everyone enjoy their slices. Perfect for family night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: This is the base of your dish and makes it easy to whip up. If you want to avoid pre-packaged mixes, try making homemade cornbread with cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and milk!
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for a healthier option, but ground turkey or even meat alternatives like quinoa or lentils work well for vegetarian diets.
Taco Seasoning: Instead of using a pre-made packet, feel free to make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. It adds a personal touch and you can adjust the spice levels!
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend using sharp cheddar for more flavor, but you can swap it with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses if you prefer.
How Do I Ensure My Cornbread Taco Bake is Cooked Perfectly?
To get the perfect texture for your cornbread taco bake, layering and cooking times are key. Start by baking your cornbread until it’s just set but not fully cooked—about 15 minutes works well. This allows it to soak up the flavors from the taco layer better.
- When adding the taco mixture, spread it evenly; this helps distribute the flavors throughout.
- For the final bake, keep an eye on the melted cheese. It should be bubbly and lightly golden—about 10-12 minutes.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. This helps it hold together better when cutting into squares!
Easy Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 box cornbread mix (about 8.5 ounces)
- Ingredients needed to prepare the cornbread mix (usually egg and milk, per box instructions)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for topping)
- Optional: additional taco toppings like jalapenos, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty casserole comes together quickly! You’ll need about 30-35 minutes for prep and cooking, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights. Just about 15 minutes to bake the cornbread initially and then another 10-12 minutes to melt the cheese after layering. Plus, a little resting time to let it cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven & Cornbread:
Start off by preheating your oven according to the directions on the cornbread mix box, usually around 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, prepare the cornbread mix as instructed on the box, mixing in the necessary ingredients like egg and milk.
2. Baking the Base:
Once your batter is ready, pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake it in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until it’s just set. It will finish cooking later when you add the toppings.
3. Cooking the Meat:
While the cornbread bakes, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. After it’s browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Adding Flavor:
Now, add the taco seasoning and a little water as directed on the packet. Stir in the drained corn and diced tomatoes. Let this simmer for a few minutes so the flavors have a chance to blend together. It should smell delicious!
5. Layering the Taco Bake:
Take your cornbread out of the oven. Evenly spread the cooked taco meat mixture over the top. Next, spread the sour cream on top of the meat layer.
6. Final Touch:
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sour cream layer. This is where the cheesy goodness comes in!
7. Baking One Last Time:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You want that golden, cheesy crust!
8. Adding Fresh Toppings:
When it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, top with shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, and diced tomatoes. Feel free to add any other toppings you love!
9. Serving:
Cut it into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful cornbread taco bake that’s perfect for a casual family dinner or potluck!
This dish brings all the fun flavors of tacos together, filled with cheesy goodness—everyone will love it!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Cornbread Taco Bake
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like lentils or tofu for a vegetarian meal. Just season accordingly!
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure that your taco seasoning is also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the taco filling and cornbread batter the night before. Just refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the layers and pop it in the oven as instructed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Feel free to experiment with toppings and seasonings to make this dish your own! Enjoy!
