Cornbread Taco Bake

This Cornbread Taco Bake makes a perfect weeknight meal that’s both light and flavorful. Combining the rich taste of ground beef, onions, and a medley of vibrant vegetables with a tender cornbread base, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also ideal for using up leftover ground beef. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty dinner that the whole family will love.

Cornbread taco bake on a plate with a fork about to break apart a piece.

The next time you want to try something easy to make this summer, then this Cornbread Taco Bake is super simple. If you aren't sure what you want to make this evening for dinner, then give this recipe a try!

I would love for you to try this Recipe - Chili Con Carne to go along with this recipe. You may also really enjoy these other Kidney Friendly Comfort Foods. This recipe is a part of our Healthy Picnic Recipes for July. We also made Blueberry Coffee Cake, Cornbread Taco Bake, and Spicy Cucumber Salad.

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For More Recipes and Ideas --->> Get Your Free Meals and Recipes That Are Perfect for Pre-Dialysis Diets, Pre-Dialysis with Diabetes, or Dialysis Diets.

Ingredients

Get ready to gather these simple, fresh ingredients for a tasty and satisfying Cornbread Taco Bake that brings a twist to your weeknight dinner routine.

Ingredients for Cornbread Taco Bake laid out ready to be made.
  • Yellow cornmeal - Forms the base of the cornbread.
  • All purpose flour - Adds structure and fluffiness to the cornbread.
  • Sugar - Provides a touch of sweetness.
  • Baking powder - Ensures the cornbread rises well.
  • Almond milk - Keeps the cornbread moist and dairy-free.
  • Large egg - Binds the ingredients together.
  • Cooking oil - Adds moisture and richness.
  • Ground beef - The savory heart of the taco filling.
  • Chopped onions - Adds sweetness and depth to the beef.
  • Texas twist seasoning - Infuses a burst of flavor and spice.
  • Cumin - Adds warmth and earthiness to the dish.
  • Water - Helps blend the spices into the beef.
  • Frozen corn - Adds a sweet, juicy crunch.
  • Chopped tomato - Brings freshness and acidity.
  • Reduced sodium black beans, liquid drained and rinsed - Adds protein and texture.
  • Green pepper - Offers a fresh, crisp flavor.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese - Melts on top for a cheesy finish.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious Cornbread Taco Bake that's sure to become a family favorite.

Cornbread in a bowl mixed up.

1. Heat oven to 350'F and spray a 8x11.5x2 (2 quart) pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Cornbread mixture laid into a pan ready to be made.

2. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, almond milk, egg and cooking oil together. Pour into the bottom of the greased pan.

Ground beef and onion in a pan being cooked.

3. Add in corn, tomatoes, black beans and green peppers and stir to combine. Heat gently for 3-5 minutes until heated throughout.

4. Add the beef mixture to the cornmeal mix in the pan. Add the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Tomatoes, beans, green peppers added to the pan with ground beef.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked throughout.

6. Allow to cool for 10 minutes then cut into 8 pieces.

Hint: For an even crispier cornbread layer, preheat the baking dish in the oven for a few minutes before adding the cornbread batter.

Cornbread taco bake in a pan that has been baked.

Substitutions

Looking to personalize your Cornbread Taco Bake? Here are a few simple substitution ideas to cater to your dietary needs or taste preferences:

  • Ground Turkey for Ground Beef - Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
  • Dairy Milk for Almond Milk - Use regular dairy milk if you’re not concerned about keeping the recipe dairy-free.
  • Bell Peppers for Green Pepper - Use any color bell pepper to add a different flavor and a pop of color to your dish.

This Cornbread Taco Bake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're using leftover chicken, incorporating your favorite seasonal veggies, or making it dairy-free, it's sure to be a hit.

Variations

Want to give your Cornbread Taco Bake a unique twist? Try these exciting variations to keep things fresh and exciting:

  • Spicy Kick - Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra spicy version.
  • Mexican Blend Cheese - Swap out cheddar for a Mexican blend cheese to enhance the flavors with a melty, creamy mix.
  • Vegetarian Option - Replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans and diced mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

Storage

  • Refrigerate - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • Freeze - Cut the bake into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Label and Date - When freezing, be sure to label and date the packages to keep track of freshness and ensure you use them within the recommended time frame

Top tip

For a more robust flavor, let the beef mixture simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes before adding it to the cornbread base. This allows the spices to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Cornbread Taco Bake for CKD being removed from the pan with a utensil.

FAQs for Cornbread Taco Bake

Can I make this Cornbread Taco Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cornbread base and the beef mixture separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, and when ready to bake, simply assemble and cook according to the instructions.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this Cornbread Taco Bake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the cornbread maintains its structure.

Other Kidney Friendly Beef Entrees

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

More Kidney Friendly Recipes

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Easy Cornbread Taco Bake:

If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

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Cornbread Taco Bake

Cornbread Taco Bake for CKD being removed from the pan with a utensil.

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This hearty Cornbread Taco Bake combines a savory taco filling with a fluffy cornbread base, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it's a dish the whole family will love.

  • Author: Mathea Ford, MBA, RDN, LD
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 Serving 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup cooking oil
  • 8 ounces ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 2 tablespoons texas twist seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • cup water
  • 2 cups frozen corn
  • 1 cup chopped tomato
  • 1 can reduced sodium black beans, liquid drained and rinse
  • ½ cup green pepper
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350'F and spray a 8x11.5x2 (2 quart) pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, almond milk, egg and cooking oil together. Pour into the bottom of the greased pan.
  3. Cook and crumble the ground beef and onions until no longer pink and drain excess grease. Add Texas Twist, cumin, and water into pot and stir to combine.
  4. Add in corn, tomatoes, black beans and green peppers and stir to combine. Heat gently for 3-5 minutes until heated throughout.
  5. Add the beef mixture to the cornmeal mix in the pan. Add the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked throughout.
  7. Allow to cool for 10 minutes then cut into 8 pieces.

Notes

If you just want to make the Cornbread from scratch, try this recipe.

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