My kids are picky about meat, and they’d happily live on peanut butter and eggs. This cornbread taco casserole is one of the few dinners they ask for seconds, and even thirds, of.
A cornbread crust is topped with seasoned beef, black beans, corn, sour cream and cheese, then finished with all your favorite taco toppings.
How to Make Cornbread Taco Casserole
Puffy Paint Visual Recipe
Get the printable2 boxes (8.5 ounces each) corn muffin mix
2 eggs
2/3 cup milk
2 pounds ground beef
Taco seasoning, or chili powder, onion powder and garlic powder
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn, drained
8 ounces sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
Toppings: lettuce, diced tomato, onion, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips
Make the crust
Mix the muffin mix, eggs and milk and spread it in a greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, until just golden.
Brown the beef
Meanwhile, brown the beef until no pink remains and drain it.
Season it
Stir in the taco seasoning and cilantro, then add the black beans and corn.
Layer
Spoon the beef mixture over the cornbread, spread on the sour cream and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake again
Bake 10 to 15 more minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Top and serve
Add lettuce, tomato and crushed chips and serve warm.
Tips for Taco Casserole
- Like it spicy? Stir in a can of diced tomatoes and green chiles.
- Don’t overbake the crust. It finishes baking with the topping on.
- Shred lettuce fast: Slice the head into chunks, roll them up and slice thin.
- Leftovers: Keep covered in the fridge 3 to 4 days. Add fresh toppings after reheating.
More easy family dinners
See all →Love building independence in the kitchen? Try our bathtub paint visual recipe next.
Visual recipes include
- Picture-based ingredient list
- Step-by-step picture directions
- Great for speech, OT and life skills
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Cooking with kids
- Special education
- Building independence
- Ages 3 and up
Cornbread Taco Casserole FAQ
Bake a cornbread crust, top it with seasoned beef, beans, corn, sour cream and cheese, then bake until melted.
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works great.
Make the beef mixture ahead, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.
3 to 4 days covered in the fridge.
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