This Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun twist on tacos! It has a tasty cornbread crust filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Yum!
I love how it comes together so quickly. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something comforting. Trust me, you’ll want seconds of this cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread mix: This is the base of your dish. If you don’t have a cornbread mix, you can easily make your own using flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Just remember to adjust the liquid to get the right batter consistency.
Ground beef or turkey: Ground turkey is a lighter option. You can also use plant-based ground beef for a vegetarian option. It keeps the dish hearty while accommodating different diets!
Taco seasoning: While store-bought seasoning is convenient, making your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika adds a personal touch. You can adjust the spice level to your liking that way!
Black beans: If you prefer or can’t find black beans, you can substitute pinto beans or even kidney beans. Both will provide a nice texture and flavor to the dish.
Sour cream: Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tang with added protein. It adds a nice creaminess to the cheese layer!
How Do I Ensure My Cornbread Stays Moist?
Keeping your cornbread moist is key to a delicious Cornbread Taco Bake. The technique lies in your mixing and baking times. When preparing the cornbread, mix just until combined – over-mixing can lead to dryness.
- Use milk as per package instructions; whole milk enhances creaminess.
- Remove from oven while it’s just set; it continues to cook in the baking dish.
- If you want extra moisture, consider mixing in a few tablespoons of melted butter into the batter.
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 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 35-40 minutes for baking, totaling around 50 minutes to serve a warm and delicious Cornbread Taco Bake. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cornbread Base:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the cornbread mix, milk, and egg together according to the package instructions. Once combined, pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s just set. Take it out and let it cool slightly.
2. Cook the Taco Filling:
While the cornbread is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef or turkey until it’s fully cooked, making sure to drain any excess fat. Then, stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, until it’s all heated through.
3. Assemble the Dish:
Now, spread the taco filling evenly over the baked cornbread base in your baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined. Then, spread this cheesy mixture over the meat layer in the baking dish.
4. Bake and Top:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sour cream mixture. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, top your Cornbread Taco Bake with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and sliced olives. You can add cilantro if you like a fresh touch. Cut it into squares, serve warm, and enjoy this delicious and comforting meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly and adjust any spices according to your preference.
What If I Don’t Have Cornbread Mix?
No problem! You can make your own cornbread mix by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use this mixture in place of the store-bought cornbread mix in the recipe.
Can I Make This Taco Bake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the bake (up to the point of adding the cheese) and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, and then bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy your leftovers!
