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Picadillo Cornbread
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Picadillo Cornbread Casserole You’ll Love Forever

Discoverthe comforting flavors of Picadillo Cornbread Casserole—a easy, savory recipeperfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Dish / Casserole
Cuisine: Mexican-American / Comfort Food
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Picadillo Filling:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing and building flavor
  • 1 medium onion diced – adds sweetness and depth
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped – for crunch and mild bitterness
  • 2 garlic cloves minced – fresh and aromatic
  • 1 pound ground beef – or substitute with ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin – brings a warm earthy spice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano – a subtle herbal layer
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – adds a hint of smoky depth
  • Salt and pepper to taste – season gradually and taste as you go
  • 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce – the base for a saucy, savory filling
  • ¼ cup chopped green olives – for that tangy briny pop (optional but recommended)
For the Cornbread Topping:
  • 1 8.5-ounce box cornbread mix – Jiffy is a classic, but any will do
  • 1 large egg – binds the mix together
  • ⅓ cup milk – for moisture
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – melts into the topping for a gooey finish
  • Optional: ¼ cup whole kernel corn drained – adds a touch of sweetness and texture
Quick Tips:
  • Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the beef if you like heat.
  • Make it heartier: Toss in black beans or diced tomatoes for more body and flavor.
  • Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix—most work just as well.

Method
 

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add:
  3. Diced onion
  4. Chopped green bell pepper
  5. Minced garlic
  6. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and fragrant. This is your flavor foundation, so give it a little love.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
  1. Add your ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks.
  2. Cook until browned and no longer pink—about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner finish.
  4. Season with:
  5. Cumin
  6. Oregano
  7. Smoked paprika
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. These spices will give your picadillo a bold, warm flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Olives
  1. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to coat the meat mixture.
  2. Toss in the chopped green olives if using—they add a delicious tangy contrast.
  3. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, just to let everything meld together. Then, remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Topping
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine:
  2. Cornbread mix
  3. Egg
  4. Milk
  5. Shredded cheddar cheese
  6. (Optional: whole corn kernels for extra texture)
  7. Stir just until combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
  1. Transfer your beef mixture to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish (or leave it in the oven-safe skillet).
  2. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the top using a spatula. Try not to press down too hard—just a light, even layer will do.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
  1. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.
  3. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes slicing easier.
  4. That’s it! From stovetop to oven, you’ve created a comforting, family-approved casserole that’s full of flavor and incredibly satisfying. Now let’s talk tips and tasty twists in the next section!

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugars: 6 g
  • Protein: 22 g