Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, you’ve found it! This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With layers of tender ground beef, zesty spices, and sweet corn, topped with a golden cornbread crust, it’s not just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a skillet.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. It brings together simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s taco night or just a cozy dinner at home, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and savory flavors.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
• Versatile: Customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to create something truly special.

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 Mexican Cornbread Casserole is its flexibility! Don’t hesitate to mix things up based on your taste or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: You can use ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter option.
• Add some veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers or spinach for an extra health boost.
• Spice it up: If you like more heat, add some chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder.
• Cheese lovers rejoice: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden brown crust we all crave.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a 10” cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease! This step is crucial because it keeps your casserole from becoming too oily while adding rich flavor.

Step 3: Mix in the Goodies

Now, add the cream-style corn, frozen corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning into the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes until heated through. The combination of these ingredients brings out such amazing flavor!

Step 4: Add Cheese

Once combined, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your beef mixture. This cheesy layer adds depth and richness to each bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Mix

In a separate bowl, combine the Jiffy cornbread mix with eggs and whole milk. Stir gently until just combined—this helps keep your cornbread light and fluffy!

Step 6: Pour It On!

Gently pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture in your cast iron pan. Spread it out evenly so every bit bakes perfectly.

Step 7: Bake It Up

Pop your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it—the smell will be irresistible!

Step 8: Finish with More Cheese

When it’s done baking, take out your casserole and sprinkle on another cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly—a perfect finishing touch!

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if you like. Dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Making the perfect Mexican Cornbread Casserole is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you get it just right!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients can elevate your dish’s flavor dramatically. Opt for fresh green chilies instead of canned if you want a bolder taste.

• Don’t Overmix the Cornbread: When preparing the cornbread batter, mix just until combined. This helps ensure a light and fluffy texture instead of a dense one.

• Customize Your Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning or add extra spices like cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier kick! Tailoring the heat level makes it perfect for your palate.

• Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking helps it set up and makes serving easier. Plus, it gives those flavors time to meld beautifully!

• Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance. Just assemble it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, making meal time a breeze!

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Serving this delightful casserole is as fun as making it! With its vibrant colors and tempting aroma, you’ll want to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a refreshing touch that complements the spices beautifully.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of either on top adds creaminess and balances out the flavors.
• Sliced Jalapeños: If you enjoy some heat, sliced jalapeños make for an exciting garnish that enhances the dish’s Tex-Mex vibe.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and spices pairs perfectly with the casserole, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness, making them an excellent side that compliments every bite of your casserole.
• Guacamole: A side of fresh guacamole provides a creamy, tangy contrast that brightens your meal.
• Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing offers a crisp texture and balances out the heartiness of the casserole.

Enjoy creating this comforting dish and sharing it with loved ones—it’s sure to be a hit at any table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool entirely before freezing.
• Cut into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers have about this recipe!

Can I make Mexican Cornbread Casserole without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option.

How do I spice up my Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Feel free to add jalapeños or extra chili powder to the beef mixture for more heat, or mix in some black beans and bell peppers for added flavor and texture!

What sides pair well with Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips for a delightful meal experience.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings together flavors and textures everyone will love. Whether it’s for family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!