This Cornbread Taco Bake is a fun twist on taco night! It’s made with a fluffy cornbread top that gets golden brown and delicious, hiding a tasty taco filling below.
Seriously, who doesn’t love tacos? Plus, everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream right on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornbread mix: This is the base of your bake. If you can’t find cornbread mix, you can make your own using flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. It’s a fun twist if you like baking from scratch!
Ground beef: I like using ground beef for its flavor, but ground turkey is a leaner option that works great too. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Taco seasoning: Pre-made taco seasoning is super convenient! If you’re out, mix together cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for a homemade alternative. Adjust to your taste!
Cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a creamy texture, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just keep in mind it won’t be as rich.
Cheddar cheese: Instead of cheddar, feel free to use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little heat. Mozzarella can also work if you prefer a milder flavor.
How Do I Get My Cornbread Mixture Just Right?
Getting the cornbread layer fluffy and golden is key. Mix gently! Overmixing will make it tough. Here are some quick tips:
- Combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg until just blended. A few lumps are okay!
- Spread it evenly in the baking dish, but don’t press down too hard.
- Bake until just starting to turn golden—this usually takes about 20 minutes before adding the beef layer.
These steps will help create a lovely cornbread base for your bake!
How to Make Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cornbread Base:
- 1 (8.5 oz) package cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cornbread Taco Bake takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before you can enjoy this tasty dish. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cornbread Base:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir everything together until it’s just mixed; don’t overmix. Then, spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This is your delightful cornbread base!
2. Prepare the Taco Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease after cooking! Now, add in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir well and let it cook for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
3. Layer and Bake:
Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the cornbread layer in your baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the sour cream until smooth. Spoon this cream cheese mixture over the beef layer, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
4. Finish Baking:
Now it’s time to bake! Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, top your Cornbread Taco Bake with sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top. Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade Cornbread Taco Bake!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian option. If using turkey or chicken, keep an eye on cooking times as they can cook faster than beef. Adjust the seasoning to taste as well.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream for a tangy flavor, or use a blend of Greek yogurt and a bit of milk to achieve a creamy texture. If you want a richer taste, mixing in some ricotta or cottage cheese can also work well.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may need to cover it with foil to prevent the top from getting too brown.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping the ground beef for lentils or a meat substitute, using dairy-free cream cheese, and replacing the shredded cheese with a vegan cheese option. Be sure to check that your cornbread mix is dairy-free as well!
