Picadillo Cornbread Casserole You’ll Love Forever
Discoverthe comforting flavors of Picadillo Cornbread Casserole—a easy, savory recipeperfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.
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.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add:
- Diced onion
- Chopped green bell pepper
- Minced garlic
- 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
- Add your ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink—about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat for a cleaner finish.
- Season with:
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- These spices will give your picadillo a bold, warm flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Olives
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to coat the meat mixture.
- Toss in the chopped green olives if using—they add a delicious tangy contrast.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, just to let everything meld together. Then, remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Cornbread mix
- Egg
- Milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- (Optional: whole corn kernels for extra texture)
- Stir just until combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer your beef mixture to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish (or leave it in the oven-safe skillet).
- 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
- Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes slicing easier.
- 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