Description
A cozy, cheesy, and hearty casserole perfect for chilly nights, featuring ground beef, beans, and comforting cornbread topping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups biscuit mix or prepared cornbread batter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 4 strips beef or turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it into pieces. Drain any excess fat if desired.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, drained tomatoes, corn, black beans, salsa, and half of the crumbled bacon. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the meat and bean mixture into the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the meat layer.
- In a bowl, whisk together the biscuit mix (or cornbread mix), milk, and eggs until combined. Dollop or pour the batter over the casserole, smoothing gently.
- If using biscuit dough, you can drop spoonfuls across the top for a rustic look. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread/biscuit portion comes out clean.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
For a hands-off option, try the slow-cooker version. Drain excess grease after browning meat to prevent a soggy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American