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Cornbread Taco Bake
If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly dinner that the whole family will actually get excited about, this Cornbread Taco Bake checks all the boxes. It combines hearty seasoned meat, beans, and melty cheese with a golden, fluffy cornbread topping—all baked together in one dish for minimal cleanup.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual weekend dinner. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples, making it a great go-to when you need something quick, filling, and affordable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap ground beef for turkey, use your favorite beans, or add extra toppings like sour cream, salsa, or avocado after baking.
Even better, it’s a complete meal in one pan: protein, carbs, and comfort all in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef or turkey
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 package store-bought)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 can pinto, black, or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup shredded cheese
- 1 package cornbread muffin mix (prepared as directed on the package)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat and chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato sauce, then cook for an additional 3–5 minutes until well combined. Add the drained and rinsed beans and mix everything together.
4. Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
5. Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package directions, then pour it evenly over the cheese layer.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture.
- Switch the protein: Ground turkey works great for a lighter option.
- Add veggies: Corn, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes can boost flavor and nutrition.
- Top it off: Serve with sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish also freezes nicely—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Cornbread Taco Bake
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef or turkey
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 package store-bought)
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 can pinto, black, or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup shredded cheese
- 1 package cornbread muffin mix (prepare as directed on package)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Spray an 8" square pan with non-stick spray, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground meat with onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain off any excess grease. Add the taco seasoning and tomato sauce and cook an additional 3-5 minutes. Add 1 can of pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed.
- Spread the meat mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meat mixture.
- Prepare the cornbread according to the package directions. Pour over the top of the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20- 25 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread layer comes out clean.
Nutrition
- PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY BAKING RACK: Ideal for cooling cookies, cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and other desserts
- LIFTED DESIGN: Provides proper airflow to cool items quickly and evenly after taking them out of the oven
- GRID PATTERN: Tight grid pattern covers more surface area for larger batches of baked goods
- NONSTICK COATING: PFOA-free nonstick coating provides excellent release while also making clean up quick and easy
- MADE WITH DURABLE STEEL: Measures 8" x 8" x 2.25" and is made with heavy duty gauge steel to resist warping and offer high quality baking for years to come
- 8 x 8-INCH SQUARE BAKING PAN: This 8x8 baking pan is made from heavy-gauge steel and ensures a perfect bake every time for your favorite recipes such as breads, cakes, brownies, and more. Ideal for creating delicious treats with consistent results
- NONSTICK COATING: This baking dish features a scratch-resistant nonstick coating for a mess-free release to serve your baked goods directly from the pan. Cleanup is a breeze, making this baking pan a convenient addition to your kitchen
- SILICONE GRIP HANDLES: This square pan features ergonomic silicone grips on both handles, providing a comfortable and secure hold. These grips make it easier to place in and take out of the oven, ensuring safe and convenient handling
- EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION: The heavy-duty steel oven pan ensures long-lasting durability and even heat distribution, providing thorough baking for delicious cakes, breads, and baked treats every time you use this pan
- DISHWASHER-SAFE: This non-stick kitchen pan is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup after use. Hand washing is recommended for longer-lasting use
- CANNED KIDNEY BEANS: A dark and full-bodied bean flavor with a hint of sweetness. The perfectly balanced flavor is also a great addition to any chili, rice or salad recipe
- Jiffy Cornbread Muffin Mix is made from freshly milled corn
- For a mouth-watering breakfast sweeten the muffins with maple syrup and fill with your favorite preserve.
- Just add egg and milk
- One 16 oz. box of Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Sweet Cornbread & Muffin Mix
- Deliciously buttery cornbread and muffin baking mix
- Featuring Dolly Parton's Favorite Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe on box
- Ideal for creating moist and irresistible side dishes
- Stock up today on the sweet combination of Duncan Hines and Dolly Parton
