Viral Cornbread Cowboy Casserole
A hearty, cozy, family-favorite dinner that’s easy, filling, and totally crave-worthy!
Ingredients
Meat & Filling
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
Creamy Corn Layer
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) corn, drained
1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (optional but recommended)
Cheesy Goodness
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping if you like)
Cornbread Topping
1 box cornbread mix (Jiffy-style works best)
Ingredients listed on the box (usually milk + egg)
Optional Add-Ins (Highly Popular!)
½ cup cooked bacon bits
½ cup canned black beans, drained
½ cup diced bell peppers
Jalapeños for spice
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder.
Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
Stir the corn, cream soup, and sour cream into the beef mixture.
Mix well until creamy and evenly combined.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Step 5: Prepare Cornbread
In a bowl, prepare cornbread batter according to package directions.
Gently spread the batter over the cheese layer (don’t worry if it’s not perfect).
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until:
Cornbread is golden brown
A toothpick inserted in the cornbread comes out clean
Step 7: Optional Final Touch
Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top and return to oven for 5 more minutes until melted.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with a fresh green salad
Add pickles or coleslaw for crunch
Drizzle with honey or hot sauce for a viral twist
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months (wrap well)
Reheat: Oven at 350°F (180°C) or microwave until hot
