Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dish that brings the family together, you’ve come to the right place! This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is one of those recipes that warms your heart and fills your belly. With layers of tender ground beef, zesty spices, sweet corn, and gooey cheese all topped with a golden, crispy cornbread crust, it’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for family gatherings.

What I love most about this casserole is how easy it is to whip up. You can get it in the oven in no time, leaving you with more moments to enjoy with your loved ones. So grab your skillet and let’s dive into this delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for any night of the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Mexican Cornbread Casserole. These are things you might already have in your pantry or can easily find at the store!

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

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the meat with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential because we want our casserole to bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust on top.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a 10” cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Be sure to drain any excess grease after cooking. This keeps our casserole from being too greasy while ensuring that rich flavor shines through.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

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 cook for about 5 minutes until it’s well combined and heated through. Removing it from heat allows those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your mixture in the skillet. This layer of melted cheese will add richness that pairs perfectly with our cornbread topping.

Step 5: Prepare Cornbread Batter

In a separate bowl, mix together the Jiffy cornbread mix with eggs and milk until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; we want a fluffy texture in our cornbread.

Step 6: Assemble Casserole

Pour the cornbread batter over the ground beef mixture in the cast iron pan, spreading it out evenly. This creates that delightful topping we all love!

Step 7: Bake It Up

Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it – no one wants burnt edges!

Step 8: Top with More Cheese

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle on another cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until that cheese is melted and bubbly. Trust me; this step is worth every bite!

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Allow your casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you’d like! Now gather everyone around because it’s time to dig into this delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a breeze, but these tips will help you elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opting for lean ground beef reduces excess grease, making your casserole healthier while still delivering that rich flavor.

• Customize the Spice Level: If you love heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash 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 cheese is a classic choice, try mixing in pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a delightful twist. These cheeses melt beautifully and add unique flavors to your casserole.

• Make it Ahead of Time: You can prepare the ground beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve—perfect for busy weeknights!

• Double the Recipe: If you’re hosting a gathering or have a large family, don’t hesitate to double the recipe! This casserole reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole not only tastes amazing but also looks great on the table! Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh and vibrant touch that pairs well with the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top provides creaminess and balances out the spices.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices can enhance both presentation and flavor while providing healthy fats.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This refreshing salad features sweet corn, lime juice, cilantro, and cheese. It complements the rich flavors of the casserole beautifully.

• Black Beans: A side of seasoned black beans adds protein and fiber, making your meal even more satisfying while enhancing the Mexican theme.

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the hearty casserole.

• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: This classic combo is always a hit! The creamy guacamole adds richness while the crunchy chips provide texture.

Now that you’re equipped with these pro tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to dig into your delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole! Enjoy every bite with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. Whether you want to prepare it in advance or save leftovers, these tips will help you keep your casserole fresh and delicious!

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

• Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before freezing.
• Cut it into individual portions for easy reheating.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil during the last few minutes to crisp up the top.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying your Mexican Cornbread Casserole.

Can I make Mexican Cornbread Casserole without ground beef?

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

How can I customize my Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, black beans, or zucchini. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste!

What is the best way to serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Serve it hot from the oven with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or tortilla chips.

How do I know when my Mexican Cornbread Casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Mexican Cornbread Casserole! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone together. Enjoy every bite as you gather around the table with loved ones. Happy cooking!