Ultimate Cornbread Casserole with Ground Beef – Cheesy, Hearty, and Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’re craving a cozy, cheesy dinner that’s ready in a flash, you’ve just found your new go-to recipe. This Ultimate Cornbread Casserole with Ground Beef is everything a comfort food lover dreams of, savory, hearty, and topped with a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust that pulls it all together.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or just want a no-fuss dish that feels like a warm hug, this casserole delivers. It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, ground beef, cornbread mix, a handful of pantry staples, and comes together in just 30 minutes.

Best part? It’s endlessly customizable. Want to spice it up with jalapeños? Add beans for a Tex-Mex twist? Go extra cheesy? You’re in control.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to master this dish, from tips and step-by-step instructions to storage advice and delicious variations. Let’s dive in and get that oven preheating!

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Casserole

This cornbread casserole with ground beef isn’t just easy, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a dinner hero. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:

✅ One-Pan Wonder

No one likes dishes. This recipe combines everything, meat, veggies, and cornbread, into a single baking dish. Less cleanup, more chill time.

⏱️ Ready in 30 Minutes

Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but still hearty and homemade. It’s a lifesaver after work or school.

🧀 Comforting, Cheesy Goodness

The savory beef layer is rich and flavorful, and the cheesy, golden-brown cornbread topping is pure comfort food magic. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly & Kid-Approved

Picky eaters? Not a problem. This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, and it’s easy to tweak depending on your crew’s tastes.

🌽 Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

Made with staples like ground beef, cornbread mix, canned corn, and shredded cheese, so you can throw it together even when your fridge is looking sparse.

🔄 Super Versatile

Want to add black beans, taco seasoning, or fresh jalapeños? You can easily make it Tex-Mex. Prefer a low-carb version? Sub in almond flour cornbread. It’s flexible and forgiving.

🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need

This cheesy ground beef cornbread casserole comes together with a handful of simple, budget-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make it happen:

🔸 For the Ground Beef Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef – lean is best, but use what you’ve got
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (or use Rotel for extra kick)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional – adds depth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

🔸 For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 box cornbread mix (like Jiffy)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack (for extra cheesiness)
• 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained (optional, for sweetness and texture)

🛠 Optional Add-Ins & Variations:

• 1/2 cup black beans (for a Tex-Mex twist)
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeños or green chiles (if you like it spicy)
• 1 tsp cumin or taco seasoning (flavor bomb alert)
• Sour cream or hot sauce, for serving

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cornbread Casserole with Ground Beef

This dish delivers comfort without the fuss, simple to make, yet packed with homestyle flavor. You’ll brown the beef, mix up the cornbread topping, assemble, and bakec, dinner done in 30 minutes flat.

Follow these simple steps:

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft (about 5–7 minutes).
• Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
• Take the skillet off the heat, then mix in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and evenly combined.

💡 Tip: Want to turn up the flavor? Add a dash of taco seasoning or cumin here for a Tex-Mex version.

🥄 Step 2: Mix the Cornbread Topping

• In a medium bowl, combine cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir until just combined.
• Fold in shredded cheese and corn (if using) for extra texture and flavor.

🧱 Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or medium casserole dish.
• Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
• Pour the cornbread batter over the top and gently smooth it out with a spatula, don’t mix!

🔔 Step 4: Bake to Perfection

• Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

😋 Optional: Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

🔄 Variations and Add-Ons

One of the best things about this cornbread casserole with ground beef is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or craving something with a little more flair, these creative variations have you covered.

🌶️ Tex-Mex Cornbread Casserole

Add a bold, spicy twist with a few simple tweaks:

• Stir in 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or cumin with the beef.
• Mix black beans, green chiles, or jalapeños into the meat or batter.
• Top with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for melty goodness.

🧅 Vegetarian Version

Skip the meat and go plant-based:

• Substitute cooked lentils, black beans, or chopped mushrooms for ground beef.
• Use vegetable broth if adding extra moisture.
• Load up on veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

🌱 Great for Meatless Mondays or feeding vegetarian guests.

🧀 Extra Cheesy Upgrade

Because cheese makes everything better:

• Double the cheese in both the beef layer and the cornbread topping.
• Mix in cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream with the ground beef for a creamy texture.

🥑 Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly

Want to keep it low-carb?

• Use a keto cornbread mix or make one with almond flour and eggs.
• Skip the corn kernels and beans.
• Stick with full-fat cheese and low-sugar tomato alternatives.

📦 Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you, cornbread casserole with ground beef stores beautifully and reheats like a dream. Use these easy methods to keep it tasting just as good the next day:

🧊 How to Store Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to fully cool at room temperature before transferring it to storage.
• Place leftovers in a sealed container or wrap the dish snugly with foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

✅ Tip: Divide into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches!

🔁 How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1–2 minutes in 30-second bursts.

💡 To keep the cornbread moist, avoid overcooking during reheating.

❄️ Can You Freeze Cornbread Casserole?

Yes, and it freezes really well!
Here’s how:

• Let the casserole cool completely.
• Wrap the entire dish in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Label and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat from frozen:

• Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, covered, then uncover to crisp the top if needed.

🥗 What to Serve with Cornbread Casserole

This cornbread casserole with ground beef is hearty enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with the right side dish takes it to the next level. Whether you want something fresh, crunchy, or creamy, here are some perfect pairings:

🥬 1. Crisp Green Salad

A fresh, lightly dressed salad adds the perfect contrast to the cheesy, savory casserole.

• Try a simple garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Or a Southwest salad with black beans and avocado

🫘 2. Seasoned Black Beans or Refried Beans

Especially great if you’re leaning into Tex-Mex flavors. Beans add fiber and protein, and they’re super filling.

🌽 3. Roasted or Grilled Veggies

Balance the rich casserole with some caramelized veggies.

• Roasted zucchini, carrots, or brussels sprouts
• Grilled corn on the cob or asparagus

🥣 4. Creamy Coleslaw

That cool crunch of coleslaw is a classic Southern pairing and a total flavor win with warm, savory dishes.

🍚 5. Mexican-Style Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice

Especially delicious if you added jalapeños or taco seasoning to the casserole. The rice helps stretch the meal for bigger families.

🍞 Bonus: Cornbread Muffins or Garlic Brea

Yes, double cornbread is totally allowed. Or swap for garlicky toast to soak up every bit of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

🏁 Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s equal parts easy, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy, this cornbread casserole with ground beef checks every box. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, fast to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes.

Whether you stick with the classic version or add your own twist, this casserole is a keeper for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners. Plus, with easy storage and make-ahead options, it’s just as practical as it is delicious.

Tried it? Drop a comment below and let us know how it turned out, or tag us on social with your own version!
Hungry for more? Don’t miss our other comfort food favorites linked below to keep your recipe box full of crowd-pleasers.

🍽️ Love This Casserole? Try These Cozy Ground Beef Recipes Next:

If this cornbread casserole with ground beef hit the spot, you’ll love these other hearty and satisfying recipes from the blog:

• 🥔 Crock Pot Creamy Potato and Hamburger Soup – Ultra-comforting and perfect for chilly nights.
• 🥩 Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole – A stick-to-your-ribs dinner that’s a hit with the whole family.
• 🇨🇺 Crock Pot Picadillo – A flavorful Cuban-inspired twist on ground beef.
• 🧀 Cheeseburger Dip (Crock Pot) – Perfect for game day or a fun, cheesy appetizer.
• 🍲 More Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes – Explore all our slow-cooked favorites in one place.

Keep your kitchen cozy and your meal plan full of easy wins, your next favorite dinner might just be a click away!