Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms both the heart and the belly, then this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is just what you need! It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. The layers of ground beef, sweet corn, zesty spices, and gooey cheese make it a favorite in my home—and I bet it will be in yours too!

This recipe is not only delicious but also simple enough for anyone to whip up. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in under an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The cheesy goodness and sweet corn are always a hit with little ones.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in a cast iron skillet means fewer dishes to wash afterward—yay for easy cleanup!
• Versatile Flavor: You can spice it up or tone it down based on your family’s taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Mexican Cornbread Casserole uses simple, wholesome items that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty dish:

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 parts about this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Throw in some bell peppers or black beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or swap in spicy taco seasoning.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the meat with lentils or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian version.

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 top.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

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

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now, add the cream-style corn, frozen corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning into the skillet with your cooked beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes until heated through—this helps all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your beef mixture. This will create a gooey layer that complements the cornbread perfectly.

Step 5: Prepare Cornbread Batter

In a separate bowl, prepare your Jiffy cornbread mix by combining it with two eggs and whole milk. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cornbread!

Step 6: Pour & Spread

Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture in your cast iron pan, spreading it out evenly so every bite has that delicious cornbread topping.

Step 7: Bake Away!

Pop your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread crust is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 8: Add More Cheese

After baking, take out the casserole and sprinkle on another cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly—because who doesn’t love more cheese?

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before diving in. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired—and there you have it! A warm, delightful Mexican Cornbread Casserole ready to share with family and friends.

Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with a few extra tips, your Mexican Cornbread Casserole will be even more delicious!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce and high-quality ground beef can elevate the flavor of your casserole. Fresh ingredients generally have better taste and nutritional value.

• Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add jalapeños to suit your heat preference. This way, you can create a dish that perfectly matches your family’s taste buds.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to slice and serve. This resting period ensures all those delicious layers hold together beautifully.

• Experiment with toppings: Before baking, consider adding black olives, diced onions, or even avocado slices as toppings along with cheese. These additions can enhance both texture and flavor.

• Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests!

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Serving your Mexican Cornbread Casserole beautifully can make all the difference! Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish in style.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor that complements the spices in the casserole.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop on top provides a creamy contrast that balances the spiciness.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy some heat, sliced jalapeños offer an extra kick and vibrant color.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad made with corn, lime juice, cilantro, and cotija cheese that brings additional flavor and texture to your meal.
• Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole pairs perfectly with the casserole and adds healthy fats.
• Black Beans: Seasoned black beans are a great source of protein and fiber while complementing the flavors of the casserole wonderfully.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in lime vinaigrette adds freshness to balance out the richness of the cornbread casserole.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to enjoy your hearty Mexican Cornbread Casserole! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy the flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
• Portion out into individual servings or freeze the entire casserole in a freezer-safe container.
• Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and reheat for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe to help you out!

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

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative that will still give you a hearty texture while reducing fat content. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly before adding other ingredients.

How do I customize my Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, or substitute black beans for added fiber. This dish is versatile and can easily accommodate your taste preferences!

What are some side dishes that go well with Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Pair it with a fresh salad, guacamole, or some tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal that everyone will love.

How long does Mexican Cornbread Casserole last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this casserole will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just be sure to keep it covered!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole! It’s more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to gather around the table and share delicious moments with family and friends. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!