Loaded Southwest Cornbread Bake Recipe
Try our loaded Southwest cornbread bake recipe for a delicious Tex-Mex twist! Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Get the recipe now!
- Publisher: Recipe Volt
- Cuisine: Southwest
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 400 calories
Loaded Southwest Cornbread Bake
The loaded Southwest cornbread bake is a tantalizing fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and comforting casserole goodness. It's a dish that brings together the heartiness of ground beef or turkey with the vibrant colors and flavors of bell peppers, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. This combination creates a satisfying and flavorful base layer that forms the foundation of the dish.
What truly sets this dish apart is the golden layer of cornbread that crowns the savory filling. With its slightly sweet and crumbly texture, the cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the savory elements, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it's infused with gooey melted cheddar cheese, adding an extra layer of richness and indulgence.
As the Southwest cornbread bake bakes in the oven, the aromas of spices like chili powder and cumin fill the kitchen, tantalizing the taste buds and building anticipation for the delicious meal to come. Once out of the oven, the dish emerges with a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese, inviting you to dig in and savor every bite.
Whether served as a cozy weeknight dinner or as the star of a festive gathering, the loaded Southwest cornbread bake is sure to impress with its robust flavors and comforting appeal. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of side dishes, making it a beloved favorite for any occasion.
Recipe
Indulge in a flavorful fiesta with our loaded Southwest cornbread bake recipe! Discover a mouthwatering fusion of Tex-Mex flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 package (8.5 ounces) cornbread mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, using milk and eggs. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the top, spreading it out evenly to cover the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the cornbread batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Southwest cornbread bake!
This dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. I will only say you should be free to customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins to suit your taste preferences.
Recipe Video
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Recipe Tags: Loaded Southwest Cornbread Bake, Loaded Southwest Cornbread Bake Recipe, Recipe
Servings
There are several delicious ways to serve loaded Southwest cornbread bake:
- As a Main Dish: Serve generous portions of the cornbread bake as the main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side. It's hearty and filling enough to be a standalone meal.
- With Toppings: Set up a toppings bar with options like sour cream, diced avocado, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, and extra shredded cheese. Let everyone customize their servings according to their taste preferences.
- As a Side Dish: Serve smaller portions of the cornbread bake alongside grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or barbecue ribs. It adds a flavorful twist to any protein-based meal.
- For Brunch: This dish is also great for brunch gatherings. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing brunch spread.
- At Potlucks or Parties: Bring the cornbread bake to potlucks or parties as a crowd-pleasing dish that's easy to transport and serve. It's sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, using high-quality ones will make a difference in the overall flavor. Opt for fresh vegetables, lean ground meat, and a good-quality cornbread mix.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder and jalapenos, or swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Make sure to drain the canned ingredients like black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes well before adding them to the dish. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery during baking.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with the spices! The chili powder and cumin add depth and flavor to the dish, so be sure to season the meat and vegetable mixture generously.
- Check Cornbread Doneness: To ensure the cornbread layer is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center of the bake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, the cornbread is done.
- Let it Rest: Allow the cornbread bake to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Store and Reheat: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Ingredient Substitutes
I will like to share some ingredient substitutes you can try for the loaded Southwest cornbread bake:
- Ground Meat: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the bell peppers for other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add extra veggies such as diced carrots or celery for more flavor and nutrition.
- Beans: If you don't have black beans on hand, you can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas as a substitute.
- Corn: Instead of canned corn, you can use frozen corn kernels or fresh corn cut off the cob. You can also omit the corn entirely if you prefer.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: If you can't find canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, you can use regular diced tomatoes and add a chopped jalapeno or a can of diced green chilies for extra heat and flavor.
- Cornbread Mix: If you don't have cornbread mix, you can make your own from scratch using cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, and eggs. There are many recipes available online for homemade cornbread mix.
- Cheese: Any type of shredded cheese can be used in place of cheddar cheese. Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less chili powder, cumin, or even add other spices like paprika, garlic powder, or oregano for extra flavor.
Remarks
Bring the taste of the Southwest to your table with this irresistible cornbread bake. Whether for a cozy dinner or festive gathering, it's sure to satisfy!