Cajun Beef Cornbread Bake (1 Hr, 15 Mins)

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Cajun beef cornbread bake combines spicy Cajun-seasoned ground beef on top of a layer of soft, flavorful cornbread, then topped off with melted cheddar cheese and fresh scallions.

This hearty dish brings together bold flavors and comforting textures, making it a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

It’s a simple one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the cornbread layer:

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

For the beef layer:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

For the topping:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish (5 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Make the cornbread batter (10 minutes): In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and honey or sugar if using. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
  • Bake the cornbread layer (15 minutes): Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cornbread is just set and begins to brown slightly.
  • Prepare the beef mixture while the cornbread bakes (15 minutes): In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, corn, and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is well combined.
  • Add the beef layer (5 minutes): Remove the baking dish from the oven. Carefully spoon the beef mixture over the pre-baked cornbread layer, spreading evenly.
  • Top with cheese and bake (15 minutes): Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish and serve (5 minutes): Sprinkle chopped scallions over the hot cheese. Let the casserole cool slightly in the dish before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

This bake is a filling and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of spicy beef and sweet cornbread, topped with melted cheese and fresh scallions, makes this casserole a comforting and satisfying meal.

For an extra kick, you can add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the cornbread batter. Enjoy your meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g

Pair this with...

Hush Puppies

To whip up a batch of hush puppies, combine cornmeal, a bit of all-purpose flour, some baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. For that signature hint of sweetness, toss in a small amount of sugar. Mix in a beaten egg, a splash of milk, and diced onions to give your hush puppies some bite and depth. Now, heat up a pot of oil (or use a deep fryer if you have one) to about 365°F (185°C). Once hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil. They'll quickly puff up and turn a mouthwatering shade of golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn them occasionally, ensuring an even fry. Once they're crispy and golden all around, scoop them out onto a paper towel to drain. Serve them hot with a side of tartar sauce or your favorite dip.

Maple Glazed Green Beans

Begin by trimming your fresh green beans. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the beans until they're starting to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, toast some pine nuts just until they're golden, which will bring out their rich, buttery flavor. Once the green beans are nearly done, drizzle in pure maple syrup to give them a sweet glaze that complements their natural earthiness. Let the syrup caramelize slightly and coat the beans. Add in your toasted pine nuts, toss everything together, and season with a pinch of salt.

Avocado and Tomato Salad

Start by halving ripe cherry tomatoes, which offer sweet-tartness. Slice up a ripe avocado, its creaminess contrasting beautifully with the tomatoes. Thinly slice some red onion for a hint of zesty sharpness. Crumble in a good amount of feta cheese which adds a salty, tangy bite. For a touch of aromatic freshness, chop up some basil leaves and sprinkle them in. Now, for the dressing: a simple drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice will enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, give everything a gentle toss, ensuring not to mash the avocado.

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