Cornbread Taco Bake

This Cornbread Taco Bake is a delicious, hearty dish combining savory taco filling with a sweet and fluffy cornbread topping. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 box (8.5 ounces) cornbread mix, prepared according to package instructions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado slices

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Vegetables:
   Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine with Beans and Corn:
   Stir in the black beans, corn, taco seasoning mix, and salsa. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through and well combined.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   Transfer the taco filling to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Prepare Cornbread:
   Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions. Pour the prepared cornbread batter over the taco filling, spreading it out evenly to cover.
7. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the cornbread batter.
8. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the Cornbread Taco Bake hot, topped with your favorite taco fixings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or avocado slices.

Enjoy this delightful Cornbread Taco Bake, a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors in every bite!