Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake

Get ready for a meal that combines all the savory, cheesy, and comforting flavors you love, all in one dish! The Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake is an absolute winner that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese, all topped with a buttery, golden cornbread crust that’s baked to perfection. It’s easy to make, and even easier to eat!

Why You’ll Love Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake

This recipe is everything you want in a cozy, weeknight dinner. Here’s why it’ll quickly become a household favorite:

Versatile: You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or add your favorite veggies to make it your own. It’s adaptable to whatever you have on hand!

Budget-Friendly: With a few simple ingredients, including the beloved Jiffy cornbread mix, this dish is both easy on your wallet and on your time.

Quick and Easy: In just under an hour, you can have a complete meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and comforting. The whole family will be digging in without any fuss.

Customizable: Add extra toppings like sour cream, salsa, or avocado, or even swap out the cheese for a spicy version if you like it hot. This taco bake is perfect for tailoring to your tastes.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s hearty, cheesy, and has all the flavors people love—perfect for family dinners, parties, or even meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious taco bake:

Ground Beef: The main protein, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning. You can easily substitute it with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Taco Seasoning: For that signature taco flavor that makes every bite irresistible.

Black Beans: These add a hearty, protein-packed element that’s perfect in combination with the beef.

Jiffy Cornbread Mix: The star of the show! This box mix makes the cornbread layer light, fluffy, and easy to prepare.

Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Mexican blend cheese creates that melty, gooey top that everyone loves.

Diced Tomatoes: To bring a bit of freshness and juiciness to the dish, balancing out the savory and cheesy elements.

Sour Cream (optional): To top it all off and add a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory taco bake.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this mouth-watering taco bake:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cornbread cooks evenly and comes out golden brown and delicious.

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning. Add a splash of water according to the seasoning instructions and simmer until the beef is well-coated and the flavors meld together.

Prepare the Cornbread Layer: In a separate bowl, prepare the Jiffy cornbread mix according to the package instructions. This usually involves mixing the cornbread mix with eggs and milk until smooth.

Assemble the Taco Bake: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Layer on the black beans, followed by the diced tomatoes. Then, pour the prepared cornbread batter over the top, spreading it out evenly.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the cornbread batter. This will melt into the cornbread, creating a cheesy, golden layer.

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.

Finishing Touches: Once the taco bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice up your taco bake and serve warm. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of salsa, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 380

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake

This taco bake is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some great ways to serve it up:

• With a Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this rich and cheesy dish.
• With Guacamole and Chips: Add some extra flair with a side of creamy guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips.
• With Extra Toppings: For a complete taco experience, top each serving with sour cream, salsa, chopped lettuce, and a squeeze of lime.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef for an extra kick.
• Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, onions, or corn to the ground beef mixture for a veggie-packed version.
• Make It Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Substitute the Beans: If you’re not a fan of black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans work great as well.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this taco bake vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a vegetarian meat substitute, and use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the taco bake ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, bake it in the oven for 30 minutes or until heated through.

3. Can I freeze this taco bake?
Yes, you can! Assemble the dish and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to cook it, bake it directly from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I use a different cornbread mix?
If you prefer a different cornbread mix, feel free to use it! Just follow the package instructions and bake it in the same way.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

6. Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! You can layer in some cheese inside the taco bake before topping it, or sprinkle more on top for an even cheesier version.

7. Can I use a smaller baking dish?
Yes, you can! If you use a smaller dish, the baking time might vary, so check it around 20 minutes to make sure the cornbread is cooked through.

8. Can I make this taco bake spicy?
You bet! Add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture, sprinkle some chili flakes over the top, or mix in a bit of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

9. What can I use instead of black beans?
You can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or refried beans depending on your preference.

10. Can I serve this with something other than sour cream?
If you’re not into sour cream, try serving it with guacamole, salsa, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra creamy element.

Conclusion

Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to please. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy a slice of cheesy, cornbread goodness!

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