Mexican Cornbread Casserole
If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is just what you need! It’s one of those recipes that always brings a smile to my face. With layers of tender ground beef, zesty spices, and gooey cheese topped with a crispy cornbread crust, it’s hard not to love it! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone can dig in and enjoy.
What makes this casserole even more special is how easy it is to prepare. You can throw it together quickly, making it an excellent choice for when life gets hectic but you still want something hearty and satisfying. Trust me, once you serve this at your next dinner, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
- Flexible Ingredients: Use what you have on hand! This recipe allows for various substitutions without sacrificing flavor.
- Delicious Comfort Food: The combination of savory beef, sweet corn, and cheesy cornbread creates a dish that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that create the magic in this Mexican Cornbread Casserole. You’ll find everything you need right here!
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 wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have or what your taste buds are craving.
- Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add some veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers or black beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Cheese lover’s delight: Mix in 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
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures that your cornbread bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden color.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a 10” cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. This step not only adds flavor but also helps render out excess grease. Make sure to drain any fat so your casserole doesn’t turn out too greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cream-style corn, frozen corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and taco seasoning to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the meat mixture. The cheese adds delicious creaminess that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare Cornbread Batter
In a separate bowl, prepare the Jiffy cornbread mix by combining it with the eggs and milk. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cornbread.
Step 6: Assemble Casserole
Pour the cornbread batter over the ground beef mixture in the cast iron pan. Spread it out evenly so every bite has that delightful cornbread topping.
Step 7: Bake in Oven
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through. This step creates a wonderful texture contrast between the soft filling and crispy top.
Step 8: Melt More Cheese
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle another cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly and melty—this is where things get even more delicious!
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
Allow your casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Dig into this mouthwatering Mexican Cornbread Casserole; I promise you’ll be back for more!
Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole
Making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a breeze, but here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time!
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Use lean ground beef: Opting for 90% lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease, resulting in a lighter casserole that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
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Customize your spice level: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy taco seasoning. This allows you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
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Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve while ensuring all the flavors meld perfectly.
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Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix it up with pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for an extra kick or creaminess.
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Make it ahead of time: This casserole can be assembled and refrigerated before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a delicious meal!
How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole
This delightful casserole is not only filling but also versatile in how you serve it. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience!
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides creaminess and balances the spices, making every bite indulgent.
- Sliced green onions: Scattering sliced green onions on top adds a nice crunch and subtle onion flavor that brightens up the dish.
Side Dishes
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This refreshing salad combines grilled corn, lime juice, cotija cheese (or a dairy-free alternative), and spices for a zesty complement.
- Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole paired with crunchy tortilla chips makes for a perfect appetizer or snack alongside your casserole.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic side that adds protein and richness, balancing out the meal nicely.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
Now you’re all set to create this delightful Mexican Cornbread Casserole! Enjoy every delicious bite with family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is ideal for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. You can easily prepare it in advance and store it for later use, so you can enjoy delicious homemade comfort without the fuss!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
- Cut into individual portions or leave whole, as preferred.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- To reheat in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).
- For quick reheating, microwave on medium power in short increments until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!
Can I make Mexican Cornbread Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or black beans. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
How long does Mexican Cornbread Casserole last in the fridge?
When stored properly, this casserole can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just ensure it’s kept in an airtight container!
Can I add extra ingredients to my Mexican Cornbread Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your casserole by adding chopped bell peppers, olives, or even black beans for additional flavor and texture.
What is the best way to serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole?
Serve this delicious casserole hot from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some avocado slices!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole! It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone together around the dinner table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and sides. Happy cooking!
Mexican Cornbread Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
If you’re seeking a comforting and satisfying meal to warm your heart, look no further than this Mexican Cornbread Casserole. This delicious dish layers seasoned ground beef with vibrant spices and melted cheese, all topped with a crispy cornbread crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it offers a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will enjoy. With its straightforward preparation and make-ahead convenience, this casserole is sure to become a beloved addition to your dinner rotation. Serve it alongside fresh garnishes and side dishes for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream-style corn (14.75 ounces)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 ounces)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix (8.5 ounces)
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in cream-style corn, frozen corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and taco seasoning; cook for about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the meat mixture.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix by combining it with eggs and milk; stir gently.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture in the skillet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown.
- Sprinkle another cup of cheddar cheese on top; return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
