There are so many ways you can enjoy the flavors of Mexican cuisine, and one of our favorite ways is making a taco bake. The twist is not using tortilla; instead, we have used cornbread which not just adds texture but makes this casserole perfect for any occasion or an easy dinner. So, if you are wondering how to make taco bake with cornbread…we have a good recipe for you to try!
What is Taco Bake?
Taco bake is a delicious casserole that plays with the ingredients of a traditional taco. The ingredients are layered in a baking or casserole dish and are baked in the oven to get a hearty, rich, meaty, and wholesome dinner. Taco bake is not just easy to make but is a convenient dish you can make to enjoy Mexican flavors. The best part is you can customize it and add more ingredients to make it even more tasteful. For instance, we have used cornbread in this recipe to add more flavor and texture.
Can You Make Taco Bake with Cornbread?
You might think taco bake is made using tortilla wraps, but that’s not the only way to enjoy this dish. Because of its versatility, you can customize it in many ways, and using cornbread instead of tortilla wraps is just one example. Plus, for those who don’t want to use tortillas, cornbread seems like a great gluten-free alternative.
Tips to Remember
Here are a few tips you should keep in mind when making taco bake with cornbread:
- You can grease the skillet or the casserole dish with either olive oil, butter, or any vegetable oil before layering the ingredients. It prevents the taco bake from sticking at the bottom.
- You can use ground pork, chicken, or even turkey instead of beef.
- When cooking beef or pork, don’t forget to drain excess fat before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Make sure you drain black beans before adding them to the meat mixture. Otherwise, the mixture will be runny.
- You can use fresh or canned tomatoes instead of tomato sauce as well. Make sure you cook them a bit by adding them early in the recipe.
- You can use sharp cheddar cheese instead of Mexican cheese as well.
- Try adding toppings like cilantro or diced jalapeno before serving.
How to Store Taco Bake with Cornbread?
There are a few reasons you might want to store taco bake. The main reason is having leftovers. Moreover, you can also make the casserole in advance and store it for later. Whatever the reason is, you will need to remember a few things to store the casserole properly. Here are a few tips to help you out!
- If you are planning on storing baked taco bake, let it cool down completely and reach room temperature before storing it.
- Next, you have to either transfer it to an airtight container or you can place the casserole dish into the refrigerator as well. Just don’t forget to cover it with cling film or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- If you want to store it longer, freezing it is a great option. You can place it in a freezer-safe container, cover it with aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to six months. Don’t forget to label the container with the date.
- To reheat the frozen taco bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated.
How to Make Taco Bake with Cornbread
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ lb. ground beef
- 2 cups whole canned kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup canned black beans
- ½ cup beef stock
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 3 tbsp. taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cup cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and preheat it to 400 degrees F. Also, prepare a 2-qt baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking oil.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil. Once it is hot, add beef and cook until the color changes from pink to brown.
- Once the beef is no longer pink, drain excess fat, add bell pepper, taco seasoning, water, tomato sauce, black beans, and corn, and mix well.
- Once everything is mixed through, transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Follow the instructions on the cornbread mix package to prepare the cornbread and use beef stock.
- Spread the layer of cornbread mixture over the beef and vegetables and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Then sprinkle cheese on top and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Once the taco is ready, remove it from the oven and serve hot.
How to Make Taco Bake with Cornbread
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ lb. ground beef
- 2 cups whole canned kernel corn drained
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup canned black beans
- ½ cup beef stock
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 3 tbsp. taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cup cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and preheat it to 400 degrees F. Also, prepare a 2-qt baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking oil.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil. Once it is hot, add beef and cook until the color changes from pink to brown.
- Once the beef is no longer pink, drain excess fat, add bell pepper, taco seasoning, water, tomato sauce, black beans, and corn, and mix well.
- Once everything is mixed through, transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Follow the instructions on the cornbread mix package to prepare the cornbread and use beef stock.
- Spread the layer of cornbread mixture over the beef and vegetables and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Then sprinkle cheese on top and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Once the taco is ready, remove it from the oven and serve hot.