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To make this cornbread casserole, you need a few key ingredients. These ingredients create a warm and tasty dish. Here is what you need: - 1 cup cornmeal - 1 cup milk - 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons melted butter - 2 sliced jalapeños (optional for heat) Each ingredient plays a role. The cornmeal gives it a nice texture. The creamed corn adds moisture and sweetness. Black beans add protein. Cheddar brings flavor and creaminess. You can make this dish even better by adding some fun extras. Here are some ideas: - Chopped bell peppers for crunch - Diced onion for a savory taste - Fresh corn for a sweet bite - Cooked sausage or ground turkey for more protein - Spices like cumin or paprika for warmth Feel free to get creative. These add-ins can make your casserole unique. If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps you can try. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cornmeal. You can replace milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free choice. If you want a lower-calorie dish, use low-fat cheese and less butter. Always check labels for safety if you have allergies. This dish can fit many diets with simple changes. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need cornmeal, milk, creamed corn, black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, baking powder, sugar, salt, melted butter, and jalapeños if you want some heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, creamed corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Mix everything together well. It should be smooth and creamy. Then, pour in the melted butter and stir again. If you enjoy spice, fold in the sliced jalapeños now. This step adds a nice kick! Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the casserole rise and brown nicely. Next, take a greased 9x9-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Pour your cornbread mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly. Bake it in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown. It should look inviting and smell great! To check if your cornbread casserole is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean, it is ready. If you see wet batter on the toothpick, bake it a bit longer. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your warm, delicious cornbread casserole! To make the best cornbread casserole, mix your dry and wet ingredients well. Start by combining the cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Then, whisk in the milk and creamed corn. This step helps avoid lumps. After that, add the black beans and cheese. Finally, stir in the melted butter. Mix until everything is smooth. This ensures even flavor throughout. A few common mistakes can ruin your casserole. One big error is overmixing the batter. This can make your casserole dense. Instead, mix just until combined. Another mistake is not greasing the baking dish. Always grease your dish well to avoid sticking. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling time. Letting it sit for a few minutes helps the casserole set up nicely. You can boost the flavor with spices and herbs. Try adding cumin or chili powder for a warm kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add freshness. If you enjoy heat, fold in sliced jalapeños. They add a nice zing. Remember, start with small amounts and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor of your cornbread casserole. Opt for fresh jalapeños if you enjoy a spicy kick! Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, try mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving for a quick meal option. Pair with Sides: Serve your cornbread casserole with a side salad or some grilled vegetables to create a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy. {{image_2}} You can easily make this casserole vegetarian. Just skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese. Use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk. This keeps it creamy and tasty. You can also swap black beans with chickpeas for a different flavor. These changes keep the dish hearty and filling. Add jalapeños for a spicy kick. They bring warmth without being too hot. If you love spice, try adding diced green chilies. You can also mix in a bit of hot sauce. Just a few drops can make a big difference. Adjust the heat to your taste. This way, you control how spicy you want it. Change the veggies based on the season. In summer, add corn or zucchini for freshness. In fall, try diced pumpkin or squash for warmth. You can mix in spinach or kale for greens all year round. These options keep your casserole exciting. It also helps use up what you have at home. To store leftover cornbread casserole, let it cool first. Once it cools, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the casserole fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat individual portions for about one to two minutes. If you have more casserole than you can eat, freezing works well. Cut the casserole into squares and place them in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as described above for best taste. Yes, you can prepare the cornbread casserole ahead of time. Mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge. You can bake it the next day. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps it to cook evenly. If you don't have black beans, you can use pinto beans or kidney beans. You can also add corn or diced bell peppers for extra flavor. Both options will keep the dish tasty and filling. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. To check if the casserole is done, look for a golden top. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake it a bit longer. This will give you the perfect texture. This blog post covered how to make a quick and tasty cornbread casserole. We looked at the key ingredients, easy steps, and tips for great results. I shared options for diets and fun variations to keep it fresh. You can store, freeze, and reheat leftovers easily, too. Remember, this dish is quick to make and full of flavor. Try it today for a satisfying meal that you can customize any way you like!

Quick & Cozy Cornbread Casserole

A comforting and easy-to-make cornbread casserole with corn, black beans, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup milk
  • 15 oz creamed corn
  • 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 slices jalapeños (optional for heat)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, creamed corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  • Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
  • If you like a bit of spice, fold in the sliced jalapeños.
  • Pour the cornbread mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
Keyword casserole, cornbread, easy