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To make Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup frozen sweet corn - 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, based on preference) - 1/4 cup chopped fresh green onions - 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping) - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese. It adds a bold flavor that pairs well with tacos. You can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you want a milder option, use Monterey Jack cheese. Mixing cheeses can create a unique taste and texture. You can easily swap the ground beef or turkey for other proteins. Shredded chicken works great for this dish. If you prefer a plant-based option, try using lentils or crumbled tofu. Both options give a satisfying texture and flavor. Explore different proteins to find your favorite combination! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the cornbread just right. A hot oven helps create a golden top. Next, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Cook it until it turns brown. Once done, drain any extra grease. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Follow the packet instructions for best flavor. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the spices to blend well with the meat. While the meat cooks, prepare the Jiffy Cornbread Mix. Follow the instructions on the box. In this step, fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This adds a rich flavor to the cornbread. Now, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading the meat mixture evenly at the bottom. Next, pour salsa over the meat. Spread it out to cover the meat completely. Finally, take the cornbread batter and dollop it on top of the salsa. Carefully spread it out to cover the sauce entirely. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread batter. This will melt into a delicious cheesy layer. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center. Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, add toppings. Generously spoon sour cream on each serving. Then, sprinkle with fresh green onions and cilantro. This adds color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy! To get the best texture for your Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake, avoid overmixing the cornbread batter. Mix it just enough to combine the ingredients. Adding half of the cheese to the batter also makes it extra moist. When baking, watch the time. A golden top means it’s done, but check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, you're good to go! If you want a meatless meal, swap the beef or turkey for lentils or mushrooms. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk in the cornbread mix and skip the cheese. You can also try a vegan sour cream for topping. Black beans are great, but feel free to use pinto or kidney beans if that's what you have. To spice things up, choose a hot salsa or add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. If you prefer a milder dish, go for a mild salsa and skip the jalapeños. Adding extra cheese on top can also help cool down the heat. Adjust these ingredients to fit your taste and enjoy the perfect balance! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green onions and cilantro elevate the dish with vibrant flavors and colors. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the salsa and taco seasoning according to your heat preference for a personalized touch. Leftover Variation: This dish can be repurposed with leftover meats or beans for a quick and easy meal. Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake. Just swap the ground beef or turkey for extra veggies or meat substitutes. For instance, use 1 cup of cooked lentils or 1 cup of crumbled tofu. Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat mixture. This adds texture and flavor while keeping it meat-free. You can also use a vegetarian taco seasoning. To make this dish gluten-free, simply choose a gluten-free cornbread mix. The Jiffy brand offers a gluten-free option. Make sure to check the taco seasoning for gluten as well. Use beans and corn as your base, and you still get that great taste. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. Feel free to get creative with the beans in your Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake. Black beans work well, but you can also use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. Each type of bean brings its unique flavor and texture. Just remember to drain and rinse them before adding to the mix. This small step helps reduce sodium and keeps the dish fresh. After enjoying your Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake, let it cool down. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to four days. If you have a lot, divide them into smaller portions for easy meals later. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the taco bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm throughout. You can also use a microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to freeze it, let the taco bake cool completely. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. The taco bake can last up to three months in the freezer. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. The longer it sits, the more the flavors blend, which can be nice. However, for the best taste, eat it within those few days. Yes, you can make Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake ahead of time. Cook the meat and mix it with the beans and corn. Store it in the fridge. You can prepare the cornbread layer later. When you're ready, layer it up and bake. This saves time and makes dinner easy. You can serve your taco bake with many tasty sides. Try adding fresh salsa or creamy guacamole. A simple salad with lettuce, tomato, and avocado pairs well, too. You might also like some tortilla chips for crunch. Yes, you can use homemade cornbread if you prefer. Just make sure to prepare it in a way that it is soft and moist. The texture should still be fluffy to fit well with the taco flavors. We covered the key ingredients for the Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake, including types of cheese and protein options. I provided easy step-by-step instructions to guide you through the cooking process. You also got tips for texture, substitution ideas, and ways to add spice. Variations like vegetarian and gluten-free options can expand your choices. Plus, I shared storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. This dish is simple, tasty, and versatile. Enjoy experimenting with it!

Jiffy Cornbread Taco Bake

A delicious and easy-to-make taco bake featuring cornbread, seasoned meat, beans, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen sweet corn
  • 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, based on preference)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh green onions
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
  • to taste fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
  • Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet before proceeding.
  • Add Seasoning: Once the meat is cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, following the instructions on the packet. Pour in 1/4 cup of water, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld.
  • Mix in Beans and Corn: Add the drained and rinsed black beans and the frozen sweet corn to the skillet with the meat. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
  • Prepare Cornbread Mix: In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the Jiffy Cornbread Mix according to the package directions. Fold half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the cornbread batter for extra flavor.
  • Layer Ingredients: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Start by evenly distributing the meat and bean mixture on the bottom of the dish. Pour the salsa over the meat layer, spreading it out evenly. Finally, dollop the cornbread batter over the salsa and carefully spread it to cover the sauce.
  • Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread batter for a delicious cheesy top.
  • Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, generously top individual portions with sour cream, freshly chopped green onions, and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve warm with additional salsa or guacamole on the side.
Keyword cornbread, easy dinner, one dish meal, taco bake