Cowboy Brisket Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Brisket Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Layers of cheesy cornbread, tender brisket, sweet corn, and flavorful beans come together to create a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 8.5 oz box cornbread mix
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, divided in half
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
3. Step 3: Prepare the cornbread mix according to package directions using the milk and egg, then stir in 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
4. Step 4: Spread the cornbread batter evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish.
5. Step 5: If using frozen corn, heat it for 5–6 minutes; if using canned corn, drain it well.
6. Step 6: Spread the corn over the cornbread layer in the casserole dish.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: When you remove the casserole from the oven, poke holes about 1 inch apart throughout the cornbread layer.
9. Step 9: While baking, shred or chop the brisket and mix it with the barbecue sauce.
10. Step 10: Drain the ranch style beans and pour them evenly over the cornbread and corn layers.
11. Step 11: Top the beans with the barbecue brisket mixture.
12. Step 12: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cornbread turns golden brown.
13. Step 13: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with green onions and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
14. Step 14: Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty Cowboy Brisket Casserole.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute pulled pork or BBQ chicken for brisket depending on availability or preference.
• Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• Use fresh corn when in season for a sweeter, fresher flavor.
• Top with chopped cilantro or sour cream for added freshness and creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350-degree oven until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to keep the cornbread from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers and assemble the casserole a few hours ahead, then refrigerate it until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold.

What if I don’t have ranch style beans?

You can substitute with baked beans or chili beans for a similar texture and flavor. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to prevent sogginess.

Cowboy Brisket Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 113 reviews

This hearty Cowboy Brisket Casserole combines savory brisket with a cheesy cornbread base, layered with sweet corn and ranch-style beans, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish delivers smoky, tangy flavors in a simple, satisfying casserole.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cornbread Base

• 1 8.5 oz box cornbread mix
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Toppings

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided, 1/2 cup added to cornbread and 1/2 cup for topping)
• 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
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Make Cornbread Batter: Prepare the cornbread according to package instructions, using the milk and egg, then stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
4. Spread Cornbread: Pour and spread the cornbread batter evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
5. Heat Corn: Warm the frozen corn in the microwave for 5-6 minutes or simply drain the canned corn, then spread the corn evenly over the cornbread layer.
6. Bake Initial Layer: Bake the cornbread and corn layer in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until set.
7. Make Holes: Remove the casserole from the oven and poke holes about 1 inch apart throughout the cornbread surface to allow flavors to meld deeper.
8. Prepare Brisket Mixture: While baking, shred or chop the brisket and toss it with 1/4 cup barbecue sauce until well coated.
9. Add Beans: Drain the ranch style beans and evenly pour them over the cornbread and corn layer in the casserole dish.
10. Add Brisket: Spread the sauced brisket evenly on top of the bean layer.
11. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
12. Add Cheese and Garnish: Remove from oven and immediately top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and chopped green onions for freshness.
13. Serve: Serve the casserole hot and enjoy a comforting cowboy-style meal.

Notes

• You can substitute brisket with pulled pork or BBQ chicken depending on your preference.
• Using fresh corn instead of frozen or canned will add a sweeter, fresher flavor.
• Make sure to drain the beans and corn well to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
• For an extra kick, add jalapeños to the cornbread batter or sprinkle on top before baking.
• Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.

Keywords: cowboy brisket casserole, cornbread casserole, baked brisket dish, barbecue casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe