Cornbread Casserole Recipe

This cornbread casserole is a hearty main dish recipe that is the ultimate comfort food. Ground beef mixture is layered in a baking dish and topped with homemade cornbread that is easily served with a side salad.

As a busy mom of 8 kids, this casserole makes dinnertime a breeze. My entire family loves it and everyone cleans their plates. If you love this casserole, make sure to also check out Mexican Cornbread Casserole, Hamburger Casserole or John Wayne Casserole Recipe.

Comfort food nights are the best nights! If you’re a fan, don’t miss the Comfort Food Dinners on a Budget Series for plenty of easy, wallet-friendly meals.

Quick Glance at this Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients and ground beef
• Family-Tested: A go-to comfort meal that feeds a crowd
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Method: Oven-baked casserole
• Make Ahead: Yes
• Freezer-Friendly: Not recommended
• Best For: Busy weeknights, potlucks, comfort food dinners

Ingredients

• Ground beef – Use lean ground beef for a hearty filling without too much grease. Ground turkey also works if you want a lighter option.
• Onion – Adds flavor to the beef mixture. If you are out of fresh onion, onion powder can be used in a pinch.
• Cloves garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic works well for busy nights.
• Diced tomatoes – Helps keep the beef mixture moist and flavorful. You can also use Rotel for a little extra spice.
• Corn – Canned whole kernel corn is quick and budget-friendly. Frozen corn can also be used if that is what you have on hand.
• Easy Spices – Chili powder, Cumin, Salt and Black pepper is all you need to enhance the flavor.
• Cornmeal – Gives the topping that classic cornbread texture and flavor.
• All-purpose flour – Helps create a soft, sturdy cornbread topping that bakes evenly over the casserole.
• Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory beef filling.
• Baking powder – Helps the cornbread topping rise and become fluffy.
• Milk – Adds moisture to the cornbread batter. Use whole milk or whatever milk you keep on hand.
• Vegetable oil – Keeps the cornbread topping tender and moist.
• Egg – Helps bind the cornbread batter together.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Adds flavor and richness to the cornbread topping. Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack all work well.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

How to Make Cornbread Casserole

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2 – In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

Step 3 – Add onion and garlic to the beef. Cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4 – Stir in diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5 – Spread the beef mixture in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6 – In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 7 – In another bowl, whisk together milk, oil, and eggs.

Step 8 – Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in shredded cheese.

Step 9 – Spread cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture.

Step 10 – Bake for 35-40 minutes, until cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.

Step 11 – Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Ground Beef – Cook the ground beef in a large skillet and make sure to drain excess grease before combining with the other ingredients.
• Cooking Time – You will know that the casserole is finished cooking when the cornbread is finished baking. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to make sure the cornbread if fully cooked. If it comes out clean and the top is golden brown then the casserole is finished baking.

Serving Suggestions

Cornbread casserole makes a delicious weeknight meal or it is perfect to serve Thanksgiving or Christmas topped with sour cream or melted butter. It pairs well with Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops, Grilled Chicken Drumsticks and Grilled Teriyaki Steak for a hearty side.

It also pairs with other side dishes such as Parmesan Roasted Green Beans and Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe. See What Goes with Cornbread for even more ideas.