This Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun twist on classic tacos! It features layers of seasoned beef, beans, and melty cheese topped with a fluffy cornbread layer.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and tasty. I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh salsa. Yum! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread Mix: Look for an 8.5 oz box for the perfect size. If you prefer homemade, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. It’s also easy to use gluten-free cornbread mix if needed.
Ground Beef or Turkey: You can use ground chicken or even a plant-based substitute if you’re opting for a meatless version. Lean turkey is a great low-fat alternative.
Taco Seasoning: A pre-packaged taco seasoning saves time, but feel free to mix your own with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. This way, you can adjust the spice level to your taste.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend works well, but don’t hesitate to try Pepper Jack for a kick or a non-dairy cheese if you’re vegan. I love the flavor melty cheese adds!
Black Olives: They’re optional, so skip them if you’re not a fan or replace them with jalapeños for added spice. You could also add diced avocados for a creamy twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cornbread Base?
The cornbread base is key to this dish. Getting it right will give you a hearty foundation. Mix your cornbread according to the package, but here are a couple of tips:
- Preheat your oven well! This helps the cornbread rise evenly.
- Watch the baking time closely—20 minutes should do it, but every oven is different. Look for a light golden color on top.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the dish to ensure it bakes uniformly.
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cornbread Base:
- 1 box cornbread mix (about 8.5 oz)
- 1 egg (for cornbread mix)
- 1/3 cup milk (for cornbread mix)
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (about 10 oz)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can black olives (sliced, optional)
- 1 cup lettuce (shredded for garnish)
- 1 tomato (diced for garnish)
- Additional toppings: sliced jalapeños, salsa, cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Cornbread Taco Bake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-50 minutes of total cooking time. You’ll bake the cornbread base, prepare the taco filling, and then finish it off with melted cheese and delicious toppings. It’s a quick and rewarding dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot for baking.
2. Prepare the Cornbread Base:
In a mixing bowl, mix together the cornbread mix, egg, and milk as directed on the package. Once it’s combined, pour the cornbread mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3. Bake the Cornbread:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake the cornbread base for about 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. When it’s done, take it out and set it aside while you work on the filling.
4. Cook the Taco Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it’s browned. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and corn, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through.
5. Layer the Meat Mixture:
Once your meat mixture is ready, spread it evenly over the baked cornbread layer in the baking dish. Make sure it covers everything nicely!
6. Add the Sour Cream and Cheese Mix:
In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with half of the shredded cheese. Spread this creamy mixture over the meat layer, covering it well.
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously on top of everything. Yum!
8. Final Bake:
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You want it to be gooey—so keep an eye on it!
9. Cool and Garnish:
After removing the dish from the oven, let it cool slightly. Now’s the time to top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced olives, and any other toppings you like!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the Cornbread Taco Bake into squares and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with your friends and family—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef or turkey for chicken, ground pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your diet. Just make sure to cook it through before adding it to the cornbread layer!
What Can I Substitute for the Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for a substitute, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully in place of sour cream! It will add a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You could also use cream cheese, just soften it a bit first to blend easily.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water if it seems a bit dry!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini to the meat mixture for added veggies and flavor. Just sauté them with the meat until softened before layering them in!
