If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that brings together rich flavors and a bit of Southern magic, this BBQ Beef Cornbread Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a golden, tender cornbread base topped with tangy, smoky barbecue beef and melted cheddar cheese—a winning combination that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With its layers of texture and robust taste, this casserole will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this BBQ Beef Cornbread Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to enhance the flavor and texture effortlessly. From the moist and slightly sweet cornbread base to the bold, savory beef topping, every component plays a crucial role in making this dish a standout.
- Corn muffin mix: Provides the perfect quick and fluffy cornbread foundation without fuss.
- Creamed corn: Adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness to the cornbread.
- Eggs: Bind the cornbread mixture for structure and richness.
- Milk: Helps create a tender and moist cornbread texture.
- Ground beef: The rich protein that brings heartiness and depth to the casserole.
- BBQ sauce: Infuses smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors into the beef mixture.
- Mustard: Adds a subtle bite, enhancing the BBQ sauce’s complexity.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and savory depth to the beef.
- Chili powder: Introduces a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat.
- Garlic powder: Provides savory undertones that round out the flavors.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a mild onion aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, offering a creamy, slightly sharp finish.
How to Make BBQ Beef Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cornbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF and greasing a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Mixing the corn muffin mix, creamed corn, eggs, and milk creates a rich and moist batter that, once baked for 20 minutes, yields the golden cornbread base that will carry all the flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
While the cornbread is baking, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, then drain any excess fat. Stir in the BBQ sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a deeply flavored, smoky-sweet beef topping. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors marry perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble and Finish Baking
Once the cornbread is ready, pour the rich beef mixture evenly over the top. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously across the beef. Pop the whole casserole back into the oven for another 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes—this makes cutting easier and allows the flavors to set. Then slice into 6 to 8 hearty squares and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness you just created!
How to Serve BBQ Beef Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh contrast, sprinkle chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños on top before serving. A dollop of sour cream can add a creamy, cooling balance to the smoky heat, making every bite more memorable.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to lighten the meal. For a Southern-inspired feast, serve alongside baked beans, coleslaw, or cornbread muffins to keep the BBQ vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this casserole into a fun party dish by serving it in small ramekins for individual portions. Alternatively, you can scoop it into soft burger buns for a casual, hand-held meal that’s perfect for game day or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover BBQ Beef Cornbread Casserole Recipe covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain moisture and flavor, making it easy to enjoy a quick reheat later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in airtight containers, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a comforting meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, which helps preserve the casserole’s texture and prevents sogginess that sometimes happens in the microwave. If pressed for time, the microwave works well too—just cover and heat in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this BBQ Beef Cornbread Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for ground beef if you want a leaner option. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed, since poultry tends to cook faster.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils combined with BBQ sauce for that same smoky, hearty flavor without any meat.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your flavor preference, whether sweet, smoky, or tangy. A balanced, medium-style sauce often works best to complement the spices and cheese without overpowering the dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free corn muffin mix and ensure your BBQ sauce and other condiments are gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy your BBQ Beef Cornbread Casserole Recipe without worry.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe has a mild kick from the chili powder and mustard but is generally mild and accessible for most palates. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or topping with hot sauce if you like things spicier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a warm, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that feels like a big hug on a plate. This BBQ Beef Cornbread Casserole Recipe combines simplicity with bold flavors and comforting textures, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Give this one a try and watch it quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
BBQ Beef Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Beef Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining savory ground beef simmered in rich barbecue sauce with a moist cornbread base. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is perfect for a comforting family meal or a potluck favorite. Ready in just over 50 minutes, it boasts a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Cornbread Base
- 1 (8.5-oz) corn muffin mix
- 1 (14.75-oz) can creamed corn
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
Beef Mixture
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1¾ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Lightly coat a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Make Cornbread Base: In a large bowl, mix together the corn muffin mix, creamed corn, eggs, and milk until well combined. Pour this batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to set the cornbread base partially.
- Cook Beef Mixture: While the cornbread bakes, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the barbecue sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the cornbread base is partially baked, carefully pour the beef mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Cut into 6 to 8 squares for serving. Enjoy this deliciously cheesy and flavorful BBQ beef cornbread casserole warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the barbecue sauce quantity depending on your preferred level of sweetness and tang.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer a sharper cheese flavor, try smoked cheddar or a blend of cheeses.
