Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug, then this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is just the ticket! It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress family and friends. With layers of tender ground beef, zesty spices, sweet corn, and gooey cheese all tucked under a golden cornbread crust, it’s hard not to love this hearty meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this casserole makes for an easy and delicious dinner option.

What makes this dish even more special is how simple it is to prepare. You can whip up this Mexican Cornbread Casserole in no time at all, making it perfect for any occasion when you need something satisfying and tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the flavors in this casserole—it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it ideal for gatherings.
• Delicious leftovers: The flavors only get better the next day! Enjoy it for lunch or dinner again without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for this delightful Mexican Cornbread Casserole. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Casserole

• 1 Pound Ground Beef
• 1 Can (14.75 Ounces) Cream-Style Corn
• 1 Cup Frozen Corn
• 1 Can (10 Ounces) Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Rotel)
• 1 Packet (1 Ounce) Taco Seasoning
• 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

For the Cornbread Topping

• 1 Box (8.5 Ounces) Jiffy Cornbread Mix
• 2 Eggs
• ⅓ Cup Whole Milk

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or black beans for an extra nutritional boost.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or sprinkle extra chili powder into the mix.
• Cheese lovers delight: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and develops that beautiful golden crust we all love.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a 10” cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease. Browning the beef adds flavor and richness to your casserole, which makes each bite so satisfying!

Step 3: Mix in the Goodies

Add the cream-style corn, frozen corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and taco seasoning to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through. This step is crucial as it melds all those wonderful flavors together!

Step 4: Add Cheese!

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. This will melt into everything while baking, creating that irresistible cheesy layer.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Topping

In a separate bowl, prepare the Jiffy cornbread mix by combining it with the eggs and milk. Stir until just combined—it’s okay if there are a few lumps! Pouring this over our mixture gives us that lovely cornbread topping we crave.

Step 6: Bake Away

Pour the cornbread batter over the ground beef mixture in the cast iron pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top—that’s when you know it’s ready!

Step 7: Add More Cheese

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle on that last cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pop it back into the oven for another 5 minutes until everything is melty and bubbly—you won’t be able to resist!

Step 8: Let It Cool & Serve

Allow your casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you like! Now gather around your dinner table and enjoy every bite of this fantastic Mexican Cornbread Casserole!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Making the perfect Mexican Cornbread Casserole can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll elevate your dish to new heights!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality ground beef can significantly enhance the flavor of your casserole. They add a vibrant taste and texture that frozen or canned alternatives may lack.

• Customize the heat level: If you enjoy spice, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. This will give your casserole an extra kick that spice lovers will appreciate.

• Experiment with cheeses: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a creamy texture and added flavor depth. This variation makes your casserole even more delicious!

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set better, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart. Plus, this helps enhance the flavors as they meld together.

• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the ground beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply assemble everything and bake. This is perfect for busy weeknights!

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Serving your Mexican Cornbread Casserole is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this dish beautifully while enhancing its flavors.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor that complements the spices in the casserole beautifully.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast that balances the dish’s richness.
• Sliced green onions: Sprinkling sliced green onions on top adds color and a mild onion flavor that’s refreshing.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A crunchy, sweet corn salad mixed with lime juice, cheese, and spices pairs perfectly with the casserole’s flavors. It adds brightness and freshness.
• Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips offers a delightful contrast in textures and enhances the overall experience.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide heartiness that complements the cornbread casserole while being rich in protein.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette serves as a refreshing side that balances out the richness of your main dish.

Enjoy your meal and share this comforting recipe with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
• For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Cornbread Casserole:

Can I make Mexican Cornbread Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for quick meals later on.

What can I substitute for ground beef in Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious twist on this recipe.

How long does Mexican Cornbread Casserole last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Mexican Cornbread Casserole will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I add more vegetables to this Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or any of your favorite vegetables to enhance flavor and nutrition.

What should I serve with Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, guacamole, or some tangy salsa for added zest!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Mexican Cornbread Casserole as much as I do! It’s packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and delicious aromas!