This Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun twist on taco night! With layers of tasty ground beef, beans, and corn, all topped with a golden cornbread crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Honestly, who can resist cheesy goodness under a fluffy cornbread lid? I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream on top—make it extra creamy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread mix: A pre-made mix makes life easy! If you don’t have it, you can make cornbread from scratch with cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, egg, and butter. Just combine in the same proportions needed on the box.
Ground beef: I often switch it out for ground turkey for a leaner option. You can also try ground chicken or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian bake.
Taco seasoning: If you don’t have a packet on hand, you can mix your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. It’s customizable to your taste!
Cheddar cheese: While sharp cheddar adds great flavor, feel free to use Monterey Jack for a milder taste, or a Mexican blend for extra flavor and color.
Olives: Black olives add a nice touch. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or use sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick instead.
What’s the Best Way to Layer This Bake?
Layering is key to making sure every bite is full of flavor. Start by spreading half of the cornbread mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. This forms a solid base. Next, carefully add the beef mixture on top, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Finally, top it with the remaining cornbread mix, gently dolloping it over. This prevents the layers from mixing too much and keeps it pretty!
- Ensure the skillet isn’t too crowded when you brown the meat, to get a nice sear and flavor.
- If you want a crispy top, you can bake it a little longer, just keep an eye on it!
- Letting the bake sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven helps it firm up for easier slicing.
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cornbread Base:
- 1 box cornbread mix (plus 1 egg and 1 cup milk for mixing)
For The Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, diced
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cornbread Taco Bake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of cooking time. You’ll be delighted with a warm, flavorful dish in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your Cornbread Taco Bake is ready.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet, drizzle a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. If there’s extra fat, drain it away before continuing.
3. Add Flavor:
Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning along with the salsa and the drained corn. Stir everything well to combine, and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste!
4. Mix the Cornbread:
In a mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread mix by following the package instructions. This usually means adding 1 egg and 1 cup of milk to the mix and stirring until combined.
5. Build the Layers:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornbread mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Next, spoon the beef mixture over this layer, spreading it out well. Finally, top with the remaining cornbread mixture, smoothing it over the beef layer.
6. Bake It Up:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the cornbread is cooked through and slightly golden on top.
7. Add Toppings:
Once out of the oven, immediately spread the sour cream on top of the hot bake. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sour cream. Return the dish to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
8. Finish and Serve:
When the bake is ready, take it out and top it with sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for that fresh crunch. If you like, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro as a finishing touch. Slice into pieces and serve warm. Enjoy your tasty Cornbread Taco Bake!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef and will give you a leaner dish. Just follow the same instructions for seasoning and cooking; it will taste delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Cornbread Mix?
No worries! You can make a homemade cornbread batter using 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 egg, and 1 cup milk. Mix those ingredients and follow the same layering process.
How to Store Leftover Cornbread Taco Bake?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave slices or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
