Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s sure to please the whole family, this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is just what you need! It has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. The layers of tender ground beef, zesty spices, and gooey cheese create a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s topped with a golden, crispy cornbread crust that adds the perfect touch of texture.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering, this casserole is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy! Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it great for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and delicious flavors, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble the casserole in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices; it’s a dish that encourages creativity!
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of spices and textures makes every bite satisfying and heartwarming.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Gather these up, and let’s get cooking!

• 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
• 1 Box (8.5 Ounces) Jiffy Cornbread Mix
• 2 Eggs
• ⅓ Cup Whole Milk

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily mix it up based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or black beans for added nutrition and flavor.
• Change Up the Cheese: Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or switch to mozzarella for a milder taste.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian dish.

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before anything else, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that delightful golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

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

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add in 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 until well combined. This allows all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your mixture in the skillet. This melty layer adds richness and makes every bite even more delicious!

Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

In a separate bowl, prepare your Jiffy cornbread mix by combining it with two eggs and whole milk. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! This keeps your cornbread light and fluffy.

Step 6: Layer It Up

Pour that beautiful cornbread batter over your ground beef mixture in the cast iron pan, spreading it out evenly. This layer is what makes this casserole so unique!

Step 7: Bake Away

Bake everything in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cornbread turns golden brown and cooked through—this is where magic happens!

Step 8: Top with More Cheese

Once baked, take out your casserole from the oven and sprinkle on another cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pop it back into the oven for an additional five minutes until melted and bubbly. Trust me; this extra cheese is worth it!

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you like! Now it’s time to gather around the table and enjoy this comforting meal together!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Making this delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a breeze, but a few handy tips can take it from great to absolutely unforgettable!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce and quality meat can significantly enhance the flavor of your casserole. Opt for fresh tomatoes and spices instead of canned ones when possible.

• Customize the heat: If you enjoy a little spice, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy taco seasoning. Adjusting the heat will make the dish more suitable to your taste preferences.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

• Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for added creaminess and flavor complexity.

• Make it ahead: This casserole stores well in the fridge and can be made ahead of time. Just assemble it up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake when ready!

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Serving your Mexican Cornbread Casserole is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this flavorful dish in style.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Sour cream: Adding a dollop of sour cream provides a creamy contrast that balances the spices beautifully.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who like an extra kick, sliced jalapeños on top can provide both heat and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn slathered in mayo, cheese, lime juice, and chili powder brings vibrant flavors that pair perfectly with your casserole.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add a hearty component to your meal. They are rich in protein and can be easily seasoned to suit your palate.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: A bowl of homemade guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips makes for an irresistible side that guests will love snacking on before or after dinner.

Enjoy creating this delightful dish that’s sure to warm hearts and bring smiles around your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Here’s how to store and enjoy your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool down completely.
• Cut into portions if desired, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or heat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious dish!

Can I make this Mexican Cornbread Casserole without meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mix of your favorite beans for a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as flavorful.

How can I spice up my Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Feel free to add chopped jalapeños or other spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give it an extra kick!

Can I use homemade cornbread instead of Jiffy mix?

Yes! If you have a favorite cornbread recipe, you can certainly use it instead of the Jiffy mix. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

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

The casserole is ready when the cornbread on top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Mexican Cornbread Casserole brings warmth and joy to your dinner table! It’s such a comforting dish that combines bold flavors with simple ingredients. Whether you’re preparing it for family or friends, I’m sure they’ll be asking for seconds! Enjoy every bite, and feel free to get creative with toppings or sides. Happy cooking!