Topsy Turvy Taco Bake
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I’m always on the lookout for fresh takes on the staple meals we love, and this recipe hit the mark. We’re big taco fans in our house, so when I spotted this Topsy Turvy Taco Bake, I knew it would be a fun twist on a familiar favorite. It’s everything you love about taco night—just flipped on its head.
The recipe was shared by Angel Shannon on the local show Good Things Utah, and let me tell you—it’s absolutely delicious. Think of it as a Mexican-style meatloaf topped with a layer of golden cornbread. The “topsy turvy” part comes when you flip it to serve, revealing that flavorful taco filling underneath. It’s hearty, comforting, and just different enough to feel exciting. This one’s definitely earned a spot in my tried-and-true recipe file.
Ingredients for Topsy Turvy Taco Bake
- LEAN GROUND BEEF
- EGG
- INSTANT ONION (JUST THE DRIED MINCED STUFF)
- TOMATO SAUCE
- TACO SEASONING
- CORNMEAL MUFFIN MIX (I USED A JIFFY MIX)
- DRESSINGS: CHOPPED TOMATOES, AVOCADO, SHREDDED LETTUCE, GREEN ONIONS, CHEESE, BLACK OLIVES, SALSA, AND SOUR CREAM (WHATEVER YOU LIKE ON YOUR TACO)
Instructions for Topsy Turvy Taco Bake Recipe
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with 1 egg, dried minced onion, tomato sauce, and a packet of taco seasoning. Stir until everything is well blended, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish ( 10×10-inch size). Bake for 20 minutes, just until the meat layer is set.
While the beef bakes, prepare a box of Jiffy cornbread mix according to the package directions. Once the meat layer is partially cooked, remove it from the oven and pour the cornbread batter over the top, spreading it gently to cover.
Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F and return the dish to bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing into squares.
To serve, invert each square onto a plate so the cornbread is on the bottom and the taco meat is on top—this is the “topsy turvy” twist! Finish with your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, fresh tomato, and sour cream for a fun, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner option. Just make sure to season generously and cook thoroughly before adding the cornbread layer.
Can I make this in a different-sized pan for this taco casserole?
A 9×9 or 11×7-inch pan can work if you don’t have a 10×10. Just keep an eye on baking times—thinner layers may cook faster.
Can I use homemade cornbread instead of Jiffy mix?
Absolutely! Use about 1½ cups of your favorite cornbread batter. Just make sure it’s not too thick so it spreads easily over the meat layer.
How do I invert the bake without making a mess?
Let the bake rest for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and use a spatula to flip each piece individually onto a plate. It’s more manageable than flipping the whole pan.
Can I add beans or veggies to the meat layer?
Yes! Black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers make great additions. Just mix them in with the meat before baking.
What toppings go best with this dish?
Try shredded cheddar cheese, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños—anything you’d put on a taco works here too!
Topsy Turvy Taco Bake
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground beef raw
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp instant onion just the dried minced stuff
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1.25 oz pkg taco seasoning
- 8.5 oz pkg cornbread muffin mix (I used a Jiffy mix)
- toppings: chopped tomatoes, avocado, shredded lettuce, green onions, cheese, black olives, salsa, and sour cream (whatever you like on your taco)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine beef, egg, onion, tomato sauce and taco seasoning. Spread in even layer in bottom of 10-in baking dish (I used an 11×8 dish).
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Prepare cornmeal muffin mix according to package directions. Spread over top of the beef. Continue baking at 400 degrees for 15 minutes longer.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Turn upside down on serving plate and top with tomatoes, avocado, black olives and cheese; dollop sour cream on individual servings. Serves 9.
