Cowboy cornbread casserole is a thick meat and beans filling made with pinto beans, layered with shredded cheese, and topped with cornbread. This recipe uses a plant-based meat substitute and I've mixed creamed corn and sour cream into the cornbread batter for more flavor.
This recipe is super easy since I use canned beans, canned tomatoes, frozen corn, and a store-bought cornbread mix.
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โค๏ธ Why you'll love this recipe
- Cornbread and beans are a natural combination.
- It's made in a single stove-top skillet that's also oven proof.
- It's flexible if you want to use different veggies in the filling, such as butternut squash.
- A favorite with the whole family.
- Stores well and reheats great for leftovers.
๐ง Main Ingredients + Notes
The secret to many dishes often lies in the ingredients. For example, some ingredients make a huge difference to the flavor and/or texture of the finished recipe. And purchasing the right ingredients can save you valuable time in the kitchen.
This list only covers ingredients that require some notes. For all of the ingredients, measurements, and directions, go to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post.
- Yellow onion - White onion works fine too.
- Orange bell peppers - Any bell peppers work in this dish and it's fun to use different colors.
- Canned pinto beans - Use canned or cook them from a dried form.
- Cheddar cheese - Montery Jack, Colby Jack, and Pepper Jack cheeses are excellent alternatives.
- Cornbread mix - I've used both Jiffy (the vegetarian version) and Marie Callender's Cornbread mix. If you use Jiffy, you'll need 2 boxes. You'll only need 1 bag of the Marie Callender's Cornbread Mix.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products and foods I use in my kitchen. This means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. To view my entire storefront of recommended kitchen tools and equipment, check out my shop on Amazon.
๐ช Recommended Equipment
Having the right equipment for recipes makes prepping much easier. If you want more fuss-free prepping and cooking, check out my updated list ofย favorite kitchen tools and equipment.
- Chef's knife
- Dutch oven or deep skillet that is suitable for cooking on the stove but is also oven-proof
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
- Large mixing bowl (for the cornbread)
โฐ Tips to Simplify and Save Time
- Look for onions that are already prepped. Many markets sell them this way in plastic containers in the refrigerator cases in the produce department.
- Canned Hatch peppers, found on the aisle with Mexican food can be used in place of the minced jalapeรฑo pepper.
- Use canned beans instead of cooking from dried.
- Purchase pre-grated cheese.
- Use a store-bought cornbread mix.
๐ง Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes. Make the entire dish ahead, completely cool, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Rewarm in the microwave oven or in a 350หF oven.
๐กIdeas for Possible Variations
- Swap out the corn for cubes of butternut squash.
- Add seasonings you love and typically use when making chili, for example chili powder and dried oregano.
- Both Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Pepper Jack cheeses work well in this recipe too.
- Eliminate the plant-based meat and add another 15-ounce can of drained pinto beans.
Welcome to Cornbread Month by the Bread Bakers!
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#BreadBakers is a group of bread-loving bakers who get together once a month to bake bread with a common ingredient or theme. Follow our Pinterest board right here. Links are also updated each month on this home page.
We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient. Thanks to this monthโs host Dorothy from Shockingly Delicious.
- Candied Ginger Cornbread (with crystallized ginger) | Shockingly Deliciousย
- Corn Meal Batty Cakes | Karen's Kitchen Storiesย
- Cornbread Cupcakes | A Day in the Life on the Farmย
- Vegetarian Cornbread Casserole | Sneha's Recipeย
- Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole (Vegetarian Dinner) | The Wimpy Vegetarianย
- Mom's Golden Cornbread | Food Lust People Loveย
- Corn Free Skillet Corn Bread | A Messy Kitchenย
- Gluten-Free Hush Puppies (Fried and Air Fryer) | Cook with Renuย
- Gluten-Free Sugar-Free Cornbread | Culinary Cam
Don't have time to run to the grocery store? Order the ingredients for this recipe using Instacart (affiliate link). Just click on the Instacart button in the recipe card below, and the ingredients will all be organized for you on their site. Plug in your zip code, choose the store you prefer, and select the ingredients you want delivered to your home.
Want to Save This Recipe?
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Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced (ยฝ large onion)
- 2 cups orange bell peppers, diced (2 bell peppers)
- ยฝ medium jalapeรฑo pepper, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic or store-bought garlic paste
- 1 pound Beyond Beef (or Impossible Ground Meat or Seitan)
- 1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning
- 15 ounce can of pinto beans, drained
- 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes
- 10 ounce bag of frozen corn
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 16 ounce package of Marie Callender's Cornbread Mix (or 2 boxes of Jiffy Vegetarian Cornbread Mix)
- 15 ounce can of creamed corn
- ยฝ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375หF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Warm the olive oil in a large deep skillet that is oven-safe. Add the onion, bell peppers, and minced jalapeรฑo pepper. Sautรฉ until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the ground meat substitute. When it's completely cooked through, add the taco seasoning. Stir until aromatic. Add the sautรฉed veggies back into the skillet.
- Add the drained beans, tomatoes, and corn. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir together the cornbread mix, creamed corn, and sour cream. Do not add water as called for in the package directions. You will have a thick batter.Spoon it on top of the filling and smooth.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top of the cornbread is browned and firm to the touch.
- Serve immediately.
Wendy Klik
I love that this is a vegetarian recipe that I can make when my son in law joins us for dinner.
Susan Pridmore
I think everyone will love it. My meat-eating husband had seconds!
Karen's Kitchen Stories
This sounds hearty and delicious!
Susan Pridmore
It's a complete meal, for sure.
hobby baker Kelly
It reminds me very much of a tamale pie recipe I was given at my bridal shower years ago! Quite yummy!
Susan Pridmore
Yes, it's very similar! It's soooo good!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
I am in love with the idea of this, and I have it on my menu for next week! So hearty, so much flavor with all the veggies. And the cornbread topping just zooms in for the win!
Sneha Datar
Love all of the veggies and the beans in this casserole, looks tempting!