Introduction
Southwestern Cornbread Casserole with Green Chiles and Honey Butter is a delicious, comfort-food dish that brings together the spicy, smoky flavors of the Southwest. This hearty casserole combines moist cornbread, savory ground beef, sweet corn, and zesty green chiles, topped off with a drizzle of sweet honey butter for a perfect blend of flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works great as a main dish or a side at family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. The recipe is simple, with easy-to-find ingredients and takes under an hour to prepare. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned sweet corn (drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup diced green chiles (for extra flavor)
For the Honey Butter:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Stir in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the diced green chiles.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese (if using) on top. Carefully spread the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, using a spatula to even it out.
Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Make the Honey Butter
While the casserole is baking, prepare the honey butter. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, honey, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
Step 8: Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Slice into squares and serve hot with a generous drizzle of honey butter on top.
Cooking Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and double the black beans.
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter dish.
- If you like it extra spicy, add diced jalapeños to the filling or topping.
- Feel free to use store-bought cornbread mix for convenience, but homemade tastes best!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Southwestern Cornbread Casserole with a side of fresh guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- This dish goes well with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and green chiles will elevate the flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the filling and cornbread batter in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Total Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 10g
Conclusion
Southwestern Cornbread Casserole with Green Chiles and Honey Butter is a versatile and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. The savory filling and sweet, moist cornbread make a delightful combination, while the honey butter adds a delicious touch of sweetness. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable for different dietary preferences, and sure to become a family favorite. Make it today and enjoy a little taste of the Southwest at your table!
Print
Southwestern Cornbread Casserole with Green Chiles and Honey Butter
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned sweet corn (drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup diced green chiles (for extra flavor)
For the Honey Butter:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Stir in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the diced green chiles.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese (if using) on top. Carefully spread the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, using a spatula to even it out.
Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Make the Honey Butter
While the casserole is baking, prepare the honey butter. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, honey, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
Step 8: Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Slice into squares and serve hot with a generous drizzle of honey butter on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 390
- Sodium: 650mg
- Protein: 18g