Beef, Bean And Cornbread Casserole
A hearty casserole combining lean ground beef, beans, and spices, topped with cornbread for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers bold flavors with a comforting, wholesome appeal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. 93% ultra-lean ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans no salt added tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4.5 oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained ⓘ
- 3/4 cup skim milk ⓘ
- 1 egg, lightly beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook beef, onion, and garlic in a large saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until browned, stirring frequently to crumble the beef.
- Drain the beef mixture in a colander.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine tomato sauce, pinto beans, chopped green chiles, skim milk, and beaten egg.
- Add chili powder, ground cumin, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the mixture and stir well.
- Layer the beef mixture in a casserole dish and pour the bean mixture over it.
- Prepare cornbread batter according to your favorite recipe or package instructions.
- Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. If you don't have pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans can work as substitutes. For a lighter alternative, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Make sure to drain the beans and chiles well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or sour cream. Serve with a side of mixed greens or avocado salad for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Tex-Mex Soup for a hearty meal. Enjoy with tortilla chips for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef, Bean And Cornbread Casserole contains roughly 368 calories, with 15g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (155% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1630mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cornbread batter?
If you don't have cornbread mix, you can use a biscuit mix or a homemade cornbread recipe. Alternatively, consider topping the casserole with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture or a layer of mashed potatoes for a different twist.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. Adjust baking time if baking from frozen.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).