Cowboy Brisket Casserole Recipe
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
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)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Spread Cornbread: Pour and spread the cornbread batter evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- 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.
- Bake Initial Layer: Bake the cornbread and corn layer in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until set.
- 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.
- Prepare Brisket Mixture: While baking, shred or chop the brisket and toss it with 1/4 cup barbecue sauce until well coated.
- Add Beans: Drain the ranch style beans and evenly pour them over the cornbread and corn layer in the casserole dish.
- Add Brisket: Spread the sauced brisket evenly on top of the bean layer.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Remove from oven and immediately top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and chopped green onions for freshness.
- 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