This Barbecue Beef Casserole is an easy-to-make, satisfying dish with a flavorful barbecue beef filling and a golden, cheesy cornbread topping. It combines hearty ingredients that are sure to please everyone at the dinner table. The baked beans, corn, and mushrooms complement the savory beef, while the cornbread topping adds a delightful texture.
It’s the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. You can easily adapt the recipe by swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or adding your favorite vegetables to make it even more personal. This casserole is not only filling but also packed with flavor in every bite!
Full Recipe:
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1 pound ground beef
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1 small onion, chopped
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1 (15 ounce) can barbecue sauce
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1 (15 ounce) can baked beans
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1 (11 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
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1 (4.5 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
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1 (8 ounce) package corn muffin mix
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1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup milk
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1 egg
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain off excess fat.
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Stir in the barbecue sauce, baked beans, corn, and mushrooms. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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In a medium bowl, mix the corn muffin mix, shredded Cheddar cheese, milk, and egg until just combined.
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Spoon the beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the cornbread mixture, spreading it evenly over the beef mixture.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Barbecue Beef Casserole: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food
Barbecue Beef Casserole is a savory dish that brings together ground beef, vegetables, barbecue sauce, and cornbread into a one-pan meal that is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s an ideal comfort food, combining rich flavors and a hearty texture. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves scrambling to prepare meals that are both tasty and easy to prepare. Barbecue Beef Casserole ticks both boxes. It comes together quickly and requires only a few simple ingredients. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity; it’s made with ground beef, barbecue sauce, corn, diced tomatoes, and cornbread mix. However, don’t let the simplicity fool you—the flavor is anything but basic. The barbecue sauce gives it a tangy, smoky kick, while the cornbread topping adds a deliciously warm and comforting element.
A Versatile and Customizable Dish
One of the best things about Barbecue Beef Casserole is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For example, if you prefer a spicier dish, you can swap out the standard barbecue sauce for a spicy variant or add a sprinkle of chili flakes. You can also make it more substantial by adding beans, like black beans or kidney beans, or incorporating extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
Moreover, the cornbread topping can be customized as well. Some people prefer to use a homemade cornbread batter, while others opt for store-bought mixes. Either way, the cornbread adds a beautiful golden crust that contrasts nicely with the savory beef mixture. You can even mix some cheese or herbs into the cornbread for an extra burst of flavor.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
The casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. You start by browning the ground beef with some onions and vegetables. Then, mix in the barbecue sauce, corn, and tomatoes. The beef mixture is spread in a baking dish, and then you simply top it with the cornbread batter before popping it in the oven. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a piping hot casserole ready to serve.
Great for Feeding a Crowd
Barbecue Beef Casserole is also a fantastic dish to serve when you have guests over. It’s easy to make in large quantities, and everyone can enjoy a hearty serving of this filling meal. You can double or even triple the recipe depending on the number of people you’re serving, and it will still be just as delicious. Its rich, savory flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and you won’t be left with a pile of leftovers.
Perfect for Meal Prepping
This casserole is also ideal for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. In fact, some people argue that it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. You can portion it out into individual servings, making it easy to grab for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Balancing Flavor and Nutrition
While comfort food is often associated with indulgence, Barbecue Beef Casserole offers a balance of flavors without feeling too heavy. The ground beef provides a good amount of protein, while the vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals. You can also make it healthier by using lean ground beef or substituting some of the ingredients. For example, you can use a lower-sodium barbecue sauce or add extra veggies to boost the dish’s nutritional profile.
Customizing the Dish
One of the best things about Barbecue Beef Casserole is its adaptability. You can swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or what you prefer. If you’re looking to make it vegetarian, for example, you could substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also add other types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for additional texture and flavor. If you want a slightly spicier kick, try adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
For those who love cheese, adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the cornbread batter is a simple way to elevate the dish. You can also top the casserole with more cheese before baking for an extra gooey, melty layer. If you’re avoiding gluten, simply opt for gluten-free cornbread mix, and you’re all set!
The Ideal Comfort Food for Any Occasion
Barbecue Beef Casserole is the ideal comfort food for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a potluck, this casserole is sure to please everyone. It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect meal to share with loved ones. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be made in so many different ways—whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different variations.
Conclusion: A Casserole You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
In conclusion, Barbecue Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the smoky, savory flavors of barbecue beef with the satisfying texture of cornbread. Its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness make it a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for a dish to impress your guests, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. It’s easy to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. So go ahead, throw together this quick and tasty meal and enjoy all the warmth and comfort it brings to the table!
