Cowboy dinner is a hearty casserole of flavorful beef, corn and beans topped with mushy, fluffy cornbread and a layer of cheese. So scrumptious!

This simple, consolation meals casserole has been a household favourite for over 20 years! After that lengthy, the recipe must be a keeper!

Beef and Bean Layer

This casserole is made up of two elements. First is the meat and bean layer.

It couldn’t be simpler! Floor beef and onion are cooked collectively earlier than including:

  • beans (pinto are my favourite for this recipe, however black, kidney or white beans work, too)
  • frozen corn
  • salsa

Essential Be aware: select a salsa that you just love the style of as a result of nearly all of taste within the beef and bean filling comes from that ingredient!

Salsa, pinto beans, corn and beef in stainless steel pan.

Cornbread Layer

Subsequent up is the cornbread layer! Taking notes from this favourite cornbread recipe, the cornbread topping is a one-bowl recipe that comes collectively quick.

Dry substances:

  • cornmeal
  • flour
  • sugar
  • baking powder + salt

Moist substances:

  • oil or melted butter
  • eggs
  • milk or buttermilk

Like all good cornbread, don’t over combine the batter! Mixing simply till mixed ensures the baked cornbread can be mild and fluffy!

Whisk stirring cornbread batter in glass bowl.

Assembling Cowboy Dinner

Don’t blink otherwise you’ll miss it (it’s really easy!).

  1. Beef and bean filling
  2. Shredded cheese
  3. Cornbread

The addition of cheese offers a pleasant salty taste increase in addition to a creamy texture component between the filling and the cornbread. Don’t skip it!

Glass pan with beef, bean, and corn mixture; glass pan with cheese on top of beef mixture; glass pan with cornbread batter on top of casserole; glass pan with baked cornbread casserole.

A Weeknight Marvel

Easy and satisfying, this cornbread casserole might not win any gourmand meals awards, however it’s excellent for an excellent tasty weeknight meal.

It additionally makes a improbable take-in meal! It’s so family-friendly. I’ve introduced it to many a brand new mother or good friend in want over time.

The filling isn’t overly saucy – it’s extra “piecey” if that is smart. We prefer it simply as it’s, however should you desire a extra saucy filling, add a cup or two of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce (be sure you add salt, pepper, and different seasonings to style if wanted).

PS: this cowboy dinner additionally makes an excellent dutch oven meal for tenting and feels actually fairly acceptable with the chucwagon-vibe of the cornbread, beef and beans.

Glass 9X13-inch pan with beef, bean, corn, salsa and cornbread.

5-Star Evaluations

Behold the opposite rave evaluations for this casserole (so that you don’t need to take simply my phrase for it!).

Winnie says: By no means anticipated to seek out an empty pan with a request to make it as soon as per week. They beloved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

J. Wayne says: Been a household staple for years. Typically add a bit of extra filling or rather less topping. Simply relies on how adventurous we really feel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chrissy says: A neighbor made this for us after I had my second child. It’s been a staple in our home since, the second the air will get brisk. I’ve made it for pals going by breakups or having infants. Final consolation meals! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tiann says: Thanks!  My entire household loves this recipe & I make it typically! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fork taking bite of cornbread topped beef and bean casserole.

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Portion of cornbread topped beef and bean casserole on white plate with fork.

Cowboy Dinner {Cornbread Beef and Bean Casserole}

Yield: 6 -8 servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Prepare dinner Time: 45 minutes

Complete Time: 1 hr 15 minutes

Beef Combination:

  • 1 ½ to 2 kilos floor beef or floor turkey
  • ½ cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 ½ cups salsa, retailer purchased or home made
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black, pinto, or white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cornbread Topping:

  • ½ cup (85 g) cornmeal
  • 1 ½ cups (213 g) flour
  • cup (71 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • cup oil
  • 2 massive eggs
  • 1 ¼ cup milk
  • Preheat the oven to 375. Frivolously grease a 9X13-inch pan and put aside.

  • In a big 12-inch skillet set over medium warmth, prepare dinner the bottom beef, onion, salt and pepper, till the meat is totally cooked. Drain the grease from the pan.

  • Stir within the corn, salsa, and beans. Unfold the meat combination evenly within the ready pan and put aside.

  • For the cornbread, whisk collectively the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Make a nicely within the middle and add the oil, eggs and milk. Whisk collectively till simply mixed (do not over combine).

  • Sprinkle the cheese over the meat combination. Pour the cornbread batter excessive and unfold evenly all the way in which to the perimeters.

  • Bake for 40-45 minutes till the cornbread is baked by. A toothpick inserted within the middle ought to come out clear and the highest ought to spring again flippantly to the contact. Let the casserole relaxation for 5-10 minutes earlier than serving.

Serving: 1 serving, Energy: 477kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 29g, Fats: 21g, Saturated Fats: 6g, Ldl cholesterol: 110mg, Sodium: 1137mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 14g

Comply with @MelsKitchenCafe on Instagram and present me the recipes you’re making from my weblog utilizing the hashtag #melskitchencafe. I like seeing all of the goodness you might be whipping up in your kitchens!

Recipe Supply: Meals The Meals

Recipe initially posted January 2011; up to date November 2022 with new images, recipe notes, and so forth.

Bean and corn cornbread-topped dinner on a white plate.

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