The Art of Authentic Cowboy Casserole with Perfect Cornbread Crown

Perfect Beef Browning Technique

Master the skill of properly browning ground beef for maximum flavor development.

Cornbread Topping Mastery

Learn the technique of creating fluffy cornbread topping that bakes to perfection.

Layering Strategy

Perfect the method of layering ingredients for optimal flavor distribution and presentation.

Spice Balance Excellence

Master the art of balancing southwestern spices for authentic cowboy flavor.

Baking Perfection

Learn optimal baking techniques for golden cornbread and properly heated filling.

Cowboy Casserole Mastery Secrets for Perfect One-Dish Comfort Food

Beef Quality: Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and texture - leaner beef can be dry.

Bean Preparation: Drain and rinse beans to remove excess sodium and starch.

Cornbread Consistency: Don't overmix cornbread batter - lumps are perfectly fine.

Cheese Distribution: Save some cheese for the top to create an appealing golden crust.

Resting Time: Let casserole rest after baking for cleaner cuts and better presentation.

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble without cornbread topping, refrigerate, add topping before baking.

Hearty Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef, Beans, and Cornbread Topping

Name: Hearty Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef, Beans, and Cornbread Topping
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Hearty Beef Base:; 2 pounds ground beef (80/20); 1 large onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Bean Foundation:; 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Vegetable Mix:; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; For the Cornbread Topping:; 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; For the Wet Cornbread Mix:

The ultimate comfort food casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, vegetables, and a golden cornbread topping. This satisfying one-dish meal combines the robust flavors of the American West with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and creamy beans, all crowned with a fluffy cornbread crust that bakes to perfection. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep, this cowboy casserole delivers home-style comfort in every bite with its perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and that signature cornbread finish that makes it an unforgettable family favorite.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

40 Minutes

Total Time

60 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Hearty Beef Base:

2 pounds ground beef (80/20)

1 large onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Bean Foundation:

1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetable Mix:

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the Cornbread Topping:

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

For the Wet Cornbread Mix:

1 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

1/3 cup melted butter

1/4 cup sour cream

For the Cheese Layer:

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

For the Garnish:

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 green onions, sliced

1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

For Special Equipment:

9x13 inch baking dish

Large skillet

Mixing bowls

Whisk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly.

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add diced onion and bell pepper, cook 5 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant throughout.

Add ground beef and cook, breaking up, until browned completely.

Drain excess fat from beef mixture, leaving about 1 tablespoon.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

Mix in pinto beans, black beans, corn, and green chiles.

Add brown sugar and simmer 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Transfer beef mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over beef.

In large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt.

In separate bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, sour cream.

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.

Spoon cornbread batter evenly over cheese and beef mixture.

Gently spread batter to cover, leaving some rustic texture visible.

Sprinkle remaining cheese over cornbread batter for golden top.

Bake 25-30 minutes until cornbread is golden and cooked through.

Test doneness with toothpick inserted in cornbread - should come clean.

Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving for easier cutting.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño slices.

Serve hot with dollops of sour cream and hot sauce if desired.

Cut into squares and serve directly from the baking dish.

Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 4 days.

Hearty Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef, Beans, and Cornbread Topping

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Authentic Cowboy Casserole with Perfect Cornbread Crown

Hearty Cowboy Casserole with Ground Beef, Beans, and Cornbread Topping

Ingredients

Instructions