Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, then this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is just what you need! It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will make everyone at the table smile. With layers of tender ground beef, zesty spices, sweet corn, and gooey cheese all topped by a golden cornbread crust, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite in my home.

What I love most about this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, it’s filling and easy to prepare. Plus, it’s an excellent make-ahead option for hectic days when you want something warm and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for any night of the week.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: With cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat—less stress for you!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates an irresistible taste that will have your family coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create this delicious casserole. Let’s take a look at 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

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up as you like with these ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or black beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy taco seasoning.
• Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different types of shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a 10” cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease afterward. This step adds depth to the flavor while keeping your casserole from becoming too greasy.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add in the cream-style corn, frozen corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), and taco seasoning. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes until well combined and heated through. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully!

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your mixture. The cheese will melt into the layers below as it bakes, creating an ooey-gooey texture everyone loves.

Step 5: Prepare Cornbread Batter

In a separate bowl, prepare the Jiffy cornbread mix by combining it with eggs and milk. Stir until just combined; overmixing can lead to less fluffy cornbread!

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Pour that lovely cornbread batter over your beef mixture in the cast iron pan. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets some cornbread goodness.

Step 7: Bake It Up!

Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. Watching that crust get nice and crispy is one of my favorite parts!

Step 8: Add More Cheese

Once done baking initially, remove your casserole from the oven and sprinkle on the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return to bake for another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly—trust me; this step 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 desired, then dig in! Enjoy every comforting bite of this delightful Mexican Cornbread Casserole!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a breeze, especially with these handy tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavors and give your casserole a vibrant taste.

• Don’t Skip the Cheese Layer: Adding cheese in between the meat mixture and cornbread helps create a delicious gooey texture that everyone loves. It also adds richness to every bite!

• Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning according to your spice preference. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an added kick.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes after baking allows it to set up nicely, making it easier to cut and serve.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding black beans, bell peppers, or even shredded zucchini to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. The possibilities are endless!

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and serving it right can make all the difference! Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious casserole.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the casserole beautifully.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top adds creaminess and balances out the spices with its coolness.
• Sliced Avocado: Adding slices of creamy avocado not only looks appealing but also provides a delightful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad made with corn, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese is refreshing and pairs well with the warmth of the casserole.

• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a savory side that complements the dish’s flavors while adding protein and fiber.

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the casserole.

• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: This classic combo makes for a fun appetizer or side that everyone loves! The creamy guacamole paired with crunchy chips adds texture and flavor contrast.

With these serving suggestions and tips, your Mexican Cornbread Casserole will not only taste amazing but will also be visually appealing at your table! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a hearty dinner throughout the week. With its delightful layers and robust flavors, this casserole can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the casserole is completely cooled.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp up the cornbread topping.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries about Mexican Cornbread Casserole.

Can I make Mexican Cornbread Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a mix of black beans and lentils for a hearty vegetarian version that maintains all the wonderful flavors.

How do I store leftovers of Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing!

Can I use other types of cheese in Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Certainly! Feel free to swap out cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of flavor.

Is Mexican Cornbread Casserole spicy?

The spiciness depends on your choice of diced tomatoes and green chilies. For milder flavor, use mild varieties or reduce the amount of taco seasoning.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole as I do! It’s a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table. Whether you’re preparing it for family or friends, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy every flavorful bite, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with different toppings or sides. Happy cooking!