Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than this Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake! It combines the comforting, slightly sweet texture of cornbread with the savory flavors of taco filling for a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or a cozy family meal, this bake is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.
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With its golden, fluffy cornbread topping and taco-inspired filling, this dish is everything you love about tacos in casserole form. Plus, it’s fully customizable—add your favorite toppings or make it your own with ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian version with beans.
Why You’ll Love Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake
Simple and Quick: This recipe uses Jiffy cornbread mix, making it super simple and quick to throw together, without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile: Customize it to your preferences—use ground beef, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option. Add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or olives to make it your own.
Family-Friendly: With its taco-inspired flavors, this dish is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Meal Prep Friendly: It’s perfect for meal prepping! Make a large batch and have leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
One-Pan Wonder: This recipe uses one pan for both the cornbread topping and taco filling, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients for Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy, flavor-packed dish:
For the Taco Filling:
- Ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
- Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Onion (optional)
- Garlic (optional)
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Chopped bell peppers (optional)
- Frozen or fresh corn (optional)
For the Jiffy Cornbread Topping:
- Jiffy Cornbread Mix (1 box)
- Milk (called for on the Jiffy box)
- Eggs (as instructed on the Jiffy box)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional for a cheesy cornbread topping)
Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeños
- Salsa
- Avocado or guacamole
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
Making this Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Cook the Taco Filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or turkey/chicken/beans) over medium heat. If using ground meat, drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic (if using), and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, followed by the diced tomatoes and corn (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine all the flavors.
- Prepare the Jiffy Cornbread:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy Cornbread Mix, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt as directed on the box. If you want a cheesy cornbread topping, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Spread the taco filling evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the cornbread mixture over the taco filling. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the cornbread topping should come out clean.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, lettuce, shredded cheese, avocado, or jalapeños.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 380
Serving Size: 1 slice
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake
This dish is filling on its own, but if you want to add some extra sides or toppings, here are a few ideas:
Side Salad: Serve with a crisp, fresh salad—perhaps a simple taco salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a light dressing.
Rice or Beans: Pair with some Mexican rice or refried beans for a more substantial meal.
Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of tortilla chips for a bit of crunch.
Salsa and Guacamole: Top each serving with fresh salsa or a dollop of guacamole for extra flavor.
Additional Tips
Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different proteins! Ground turkey or chicken are leaner options, and black beans or pinto beans can make for a delicious vegetarian version.
Add Extra Veggies: Mix in extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to boost the nutrition of your taco bake.
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the taco filling or sprinkle some hot sauce on top for a little heat.
Cheesy Topping: For an extra cheesy cornbread crust, top the cornbread mixture with shredded cheese 5 minutes before the bake is done, and let it melt.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the taco filling and cornbread topping ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the casserole when you’re ready to bake.
Q2: Can I freeze this dish?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Q3: Can I use a different cornbread mix?
A3: You can substitute another brand of cornbread mix, but make sure to follow the instructions on the box. You can also make your own cornbread mix if you prefer.
Q4: How do I make this dish vegetarian?
A4: Simply swap the ground meat for beans, like black beans or kidney beans, and follow the recipe as written.
Q5: Can I add more toppings?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to load up your bake with extra toppings like shredded lettuce, cilantro, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Q6: Can I use a different size pan?
A6: You can use a smaller or larger pan, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the cornbread topping and use a toothpick to check doneness.
Conclusion
Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake is the perfect combination of comfort food and Tex-Mex flair. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a family-friendly meal. You can customize it however you like, and it’s always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a potluck, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy the hearty, savory goodness of taco filling topped with warm, fluffy cornbread—what’s not to love?
Print
Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Description
Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole combining sweet cornbread with bold taco-seasoned beef, creamy layers, and melty cheese. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix (8.5 ounces)
- 1/3 cup Milk
- 4 oz can Green Chiles, drained and divided
- 1 Egg
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup Enchilada Sauce
- 14 oz can Fire Roasted Corn, drained
- 10 oz can Rotel, drained
- 2 cups Sour Cream
- 2 cups Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese, divided
- Optional Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, black olives, green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine Jiffy Cornbread Mix, milk, egg, and half of the drained green chiles. Mix until just combined. Spread into prepared baking dish and bake for 15–20 minutes until set.
- While the cornbread bakes, cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, fire roasted corn, Rotel, and remaining green chiles to the beef. Stir and cook until heated through, then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix sour cream with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Layer the beef mixture over the baked cornbread. Spread evenly.
- Spread the sour cream and cheese mixture over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Add optional toppings as desired.
Notes
- Make it spicier by using hot green chiles or adding jalapeños.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep ahead by baking the cornbread layer earlier in the day.
- Great for potlucks or meal prepping leftovers for the week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 406
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg