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
Scale
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.
