Cornbread Taco Casserole

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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.

Serves 8
Prep 20 minutes
Bake About 30 minutes at 350°F
Kid approved Yes
Taco casserole with lettuce and tomato
Cornbread taco casserole

How to Make Cornbread Taco Casserole

Puffy Paint Visual Recipe

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2 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.

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

How do you make cornbread taco casserole?

Bake a cornbread crust, top it with seasoned beef, beans, corn, sour cream and cheese, then bake until melted.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works great.

Can I make it ahead?

Make the beef mixture ahead, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.

How long do leftovers last?

3 to 4 days covered in the fridge.

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Stephanie Oswald, early childhood intervention specialist and creator of Parenting Chaos

Hi, I’m Stephanie!

I’m an early childhood intervention specialist and the mom behind Parenting Chaos. I share simple, hands-on activities that help little ones learn through play. Coffee addict, nature junkie and kid at heart.

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