Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread Topping | CookOS

Cowboy Casserole

Name: Cowboy Casserole with Cornbread Topping
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef; 1 tsp house seasoning; 1 tsp minced garlic; 1 (28 oz) can brown sugar hickory baked beans; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce; 1 tsp brown sugar; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp ground mustard; 1 tsp chili powder; 2 (8.5 oz) boxes corn muffin mix; 2 large eggs; 2/3 cup milk; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp honey

Cowboy Casserole combines seasoned ground beef and hickory baked beans in a savory base, crowned with a sweet and cheesy cornbread crust for a satisfying one-pan meal.

🌍American 🏷️Cowboy casserole 🏷️Casserole 🏷️Ground beef 🏷️Baked beans 🏷️Cornbread

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Total

40 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 tsp house seasoning
1 tsp minced garlic
1 (28 oz) can brown sugar hickory baked beans
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp chili powder
2 (8.5 oz) boxes corn muffin mix
2 large eggs
2/3 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tbsp honey

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Instructions

1
In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
2
Season the beef with house seasoning and minced garlic.
3
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain off any excess grease.
4
Stir in the baked beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, and chili powder. Mix until well combined.
5
Pour the beef and bean mixture into a 9x13 inch baking pan and spread evenly.
6
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the two boxes of corn muffin mix, eggs, and milk. Stir until just combined.
7
Stir the shredded cheddar cheese and honey into the cornbread batter.
8
Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture in the baking pan.
9
Bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole base.
Mix the cornbread batter just until combined; overmixing toughens the topping.
Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the filling so it cooks uniformly and covers all edges.
Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking before serving so the layers set and portions hold together.

Substitutions

Brown sugar hickory baked beans → regular baked beans or pinto beans (flavor will be less sweet)
Barbecue sauce → ketchup mixed with 1 tsp vinegar and 1/2 tsp liquid smoke (approximates depth)
Corn muffin mix → cornbread mix (follow package directions for batter consistency)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Common Questions

Can I make Cowboy Casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the beef and bean filling, refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours, then top with cornbread batter and bake. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.

How do I know when the cornbread topping is done?

The cornbread should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crust should come out clean. The edges will pull slightly away from the pan sides.

Can I use fresh ground beef instead of what the recipe calls for?

Yes, any ground beef works. Brown it fully and drain excess fat before mixing with the baked beans and seasonings.

What size baking dish do I need?

A 9x13-inch casserole dish is standard for this recipe and allows proper browning of the cornbread top.

Can I substitute the corn muffin mix?

You can use cornbread mix or prepare homemade cornbread batter, though cooking times may vary slightly. Avoid using regular flour as cornmeal is key to the texture.