Southwest Cornbread Taco Casserole

This hearty Southwest Cornbread Taco Casserole combines seasoned ground beef with sweet corn and green peppers, all topped with fluffy cornbread and crispy French fried onions. It's the perfect weeknight dinner that brings comfort food vibes with a Tex-Mex twist - easy enough for busy families but delicious enough to impress guests.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Casserole

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 40

Servings:

Calories: 425kcal

Equipment

Skillet

Baking Dish

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 15 1/4 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 1 1/4 ounce envelope taco seasoning
1 8 1/2 ounce package cornbread mix
1 2 7/8 ounce can French fried onion rings
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain fat.
Stir in corn, tomato sauce, water, green pepper, and taco seasoning; mix well.
Spoon beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare cornbread mix according to package directions for cornbread.
Stir half of the French fried onions into the cornbread batter.
Spread cornbread mixture evenly over the beef mixture.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese and remaining onions.
Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and a toothpick inserted into cornbread layer comes out clean.

Notes

Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.

Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat.

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.

Leftover casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully in the microwave.

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of water.

If cornbread seems too thick, add an extra tablespoon of milk to the batter for easier spreading.

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