Description
Cowboy Brisket Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring a cheesy cornbread base topped with tender barbecue brisket, sweet corn, and ranch style beans. This comforting casserole combines smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, baked to golden perfection and finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cornbread Base
- 1 8.5 oz box cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided from 1 cup total)
Toppings
- 1 lb chopped or pulled brisket (or pulled pork or BBQ chicken)
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 12 oz bag frozen sweet corn OR 1 15 oz can corn, drained
- 1 15 oz can ranch style beans (chili beans), drained
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (remaining from 1 cup total)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish, about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Cornbread Mixture: Prepare the cornbread according to the package instructions, combining the cornbread mix, egg, and milk. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the batter for added flavor.
- Spread Cornbread: Pour and spread the cornbread batter evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Heat or Drain Corn: If using frozen corn, microwave or heat it for 5-6 minutes until warmed. If using canned corn, drain thoroughly.
- Add Corn Layer: Evenly layer the heated or drained corn over the spread cornbread in the casserole dish.
- Initial Bake: Bake the casserole for 15 minutes to set the cornbread and warm the corn.
- Poke Holes in Cornbread: Remove casserole from oven and poke holes about 1 inch apart across the cornbread layer to allow flavors to seep through.
- Prepare Brisket: While the casserole bakes, shred or chop the brisket and mix it well with barbecue sauce for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Add Beans: Drain the ranch style beans and pour them evenly over the cornbread and corn layer.
- Add Barbecue Brisket: Spread the sauced brisket evenly on top of the beans.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cornbread turns a golden brown color.
- Top and Garnish: Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and chopped green onions over the top.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting cowboy casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute brisket with pulled pork or BBQ chicken for different flavor variations.
- Using fresh green onions as garnish adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.
- Ensure to drain canned ingredients well to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Adjust the baking time slightly if you use different casseroles dishes or oven types.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the brisket mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cowboy brisket casserole, cornbread casserole, barbecue brisket casserole, hearty casserole, BBQ brisket recipe, comfort food, cornbread and brisket, ranch style beans casserole
