Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious dish to warm your heart and feed your family, this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is the answer! This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years. It’s comforting yet packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The layers of tender ground beef, zesty spices, sweet corn, and gooey cheese topped with a golden cornbread crust will have everyone asking for seconds.

What I love most about this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is how simple it is to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish makes cooking feel effortless. Plus, it’s the type of meal that brings everyone together—so grab your loved ones and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
• Family-friendly: With its cheesy goodness and savory flavors, even picky eaters will love it!
• Versatile leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
• One-pan wonder: Prepared in a cast iron skillet, cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need fancy ingredients for this recipe! Just some wholesome staples that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Mexican Cornbread Casserole:

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

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily swap ingredients or add your favorites to make it your own. Here are some tasty ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option!
• Add more veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers or black beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of taco seasoning.
• Cheese overload: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick.

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. Drain any excess grease. Browning the meat adds depth of flavor and ensures our casserole is hearty.

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 well combined and heated through. This step melds all those fantastic flavors!

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your beef mixture. Who doesn’t love melted cheese? It adds creaminess and richness to every bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

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

Step 6: Pour & Spread

Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the ground beef mixture in the cast iron pan, spreading it out evenly. This creates a lovely topping that will bake up beautifully.

Step 7: Bake Away!

Place your skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 8: Add More Cheese

Once baked, remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly—this is when things get really exciting!

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Allow your casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you like! Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite of this amazing Mexican Cornbread Casserole!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with a few expert tips, you can make this Mexican Cornbread Casserole even more delicious!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients can elevate the flavor of your casserole. Opt for fresh tomatoes or herbs when available to add a burst of vibrant taste that canned goods just can’t replicate.

• Customize the Spice Level: If you love heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. This will give your casserole an extra kick that spice lovers will appreciate.

• Let it Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve without it falling apart.

• Try Different Cheeses: While cheddar is fantastic, experimenting with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add new flavors and textures to your dish. Just remember to use cheese that melts well!

• Make it Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven for a quick dinner solution!

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Serving this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this flavorful dish to your friends and family.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the spices beautifully.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices not only look appealing but also provide a rich texture that balances the spiciness of the casserole.
• Dollop of Sour Cream: A small dollop of sour cream on top offers a cool contrast and enhances the overall flavor with a creamy touch.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad combines grilled corn, lime juice, cotija cheese (or a dairy-free alternative), and spices, creating a refreshing complement to the hearty casserole.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness while pairing perfectly with the spicy flavors in the casserole.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: The combination of guacamole’s smoothness with crunchy tortilla chips provides both texture and flavor variety alongside your meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette can offer a crisp contrast to the warm casserole, balancing out its richness.

Enjoying your Mexican Cornbread Casserole with these garnishes and sides will not only enhance the meal but also create a delightful dining experience for everyone at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
• Cut into individual portions for easy reheating later.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, bake for about 45 minutes, checking for doneness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this Mexican Cornbread Casserole recipe!

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

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute that will still provide a delicious flavor while being leaner than beef.

How do I make my Mexican Cornbread Casserole spicier?

To spice things up, consider adding jalapeños or using a hotter taco seasoning mix. You could also include diced fresh peppers for an extra kick!

Can I prepare Mexican Cornbread Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Mexican Cornbread Casserole pairs nicely with a side salad, guacamole, or even some tortilla chips for added crunch!

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Mexican Cornbread Casserole! It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The layers of flavor and cheesy goodness are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!