Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings everyone together, then this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is just what you need! It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can turn any busy weeknight into a special occasion. With layers of savory ground beef, sweet corn, and gooey cheese topped with a crispy cornbread crust, this casserole is not just hearty but also incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for family gatherings or when you’re in need of some cozy comfort food.

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. It’s easy to whip up, and the aroma while it bakes is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough that you can tweak it according to your taste or what you have on hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have this Mexican Cornbread Casserole ready in just 45 minutes!
• Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the cheesy goodness and flavorful spices.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Delicious Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day—if there are any leftovers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is super simple with these wholesome ingredients. You might already have many of them in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

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 recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or dietary needs:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option while still keeping all the flavor.
• Add some veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers, onions, or even black beans for added nutrition and texture.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some sliced jalapeños or extra taco seasoning to kick up the flavor.
• Cheese lovers delight: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.

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 comes out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a 10” cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. This step is important as browning adds depth of flavor to your dish. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Next, add the cream-style corn, frozen corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and taco seasoning to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well and let it cook for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through. This melds all those delicious flavors together.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your beef mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully during baking, adding that gooey texture we all love.

Step 5: Prepare Cornbread Batter

In a separate bowl, prepare the Jiffy cornbread mix by combining it with the eggs and milk. Stir just until combined; this keeps your cornbread light and fluffy!

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the cornbread batter over the ground beef mixture in your cast iron pan, spreading it out evenly. This creates that lovely topping we all look forward to.

Step 7: Bake It Up

Place your skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 8: Melt More Cheese

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle on the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly and melted.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before diving in. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired—then enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

When it comes to perfecting this Mexican Cornbread Casserole, a few simple tips can elevate your dish from good to unforgettable!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce and quality ground beef enhance the flavor of your casserole. Opt for fresh vegetables when possible for a brighter taste.

• Don’t rush the browning: Ensure the ground beef is nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor that will make your casserole even more delicious.

• Mix in extra spices: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding some cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the meat mixture. This will give your casserole an extra kick that spice lovers will appreciate.

• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve and giving the flavors time to meld.

• Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your cheese choices! While cheddar is classic, trying Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a delightful twist.

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Serving your Mexican Cornbread Casserole can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this festive dish beautifully at your dinner table.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens the entire dish.
• Sour cream or yogurt: A dollop on top brings creaminess and balances the spices, creating a lovely contrast in flavors.
• Sliced green onions: These add crunch and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad features corn, lime juice, and cotija cheese, bringing a refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with the casserole.
• Guacamole and tortilla chips: The creamy guacamole offers richness while the crispy chips provide texture, making them a delightful accompaniment.
• Refried beans: Creamy refried beans are not only hearty but also add protein to your meal, rounding out the experience.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado helps balance out the richness of the casserole while adding some crunch.

Enjoy sharing this delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole with family and friends—it’s sure to become a favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making meals 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.
• Cut into portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 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 as above, or microwave individual servings on high for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in the Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a healthier alternative and will work just as well in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions.

How long does the Mexican Cornbread Casserole last in the fridge?

When properly stored in an airtight container, this casserole can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make a vegetarian version of Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian option that retains all those fantastic flavors.

What can I serve with Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, guacamole, or chips and salsa for added crunch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole as I am! It’s a comforting dish that brings together delightful flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether it’s for family dinner or meal prepping for a busy week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy creating this delicious masterpiece in your kitchen!