Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings everyone together, you’ve come to the right place. This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. It’s packed with flavor and warmth, making it a true crowd-pleaser. The layers of savory ground beef, sweet corn, and gooey cheese topped with a crispy cornbread crust are just irresistible. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare; your kitchen will smell heavenly as it bakes!

What I love most about this casserole is how versatile it is. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for game night, this dish fits right in. It’s hearty yet delightful, perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: You can whip this up in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic days.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy goodness and mild spice.
• One-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
• Leftover delight: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making for delicious lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is half the fun! These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a delicious meal that warms the heart.

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 Mexican Cornbread Casserole lies in its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some heat: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like things spicy.
• Go veggie: Replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Change up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese 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. This step not only adds flavor but also ensures that your meat is fully cooked before layering it in the casserole. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Next, add in the cream-style corn, frozen corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and taco seasoning to the skillet with your browned beef. Stir well and let them cook together for about 5 minutes. This helps all those zesty flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your beef mixture. This cheesy layer will melt into the casserole while baking, creating that gooey goodness we all crave.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

In a separate bowl, mix together the Jiffy cornbread mix with eggs and milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want that tender cornbread texture!

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Pour your cornbread batter over the beef mixture in your cast iron pan, spreading it out evenly. This layer will rise during baking and create that lovely cornbread topping we all love.

Step 7: Bake It Up

Pop your casserole into the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is simply divine!

Step 8: Add More Cheese

Once baked, remove your casserole from the oven and sprinkle on the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until everything is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you like, then dig in! Enjoy every warm bite of this comforting Mexican Cornbread Casserole with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Making the perfect Mexican Cornbread Casserole is easier with a few handy tips to guide you. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce and spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your casserole, making it more vibrant and delicious.

• Don’t skip the toppings: Adding extra cheese on top before baking gives that gooey, melty goodness that everyone loves. It also adds a beautiful golden crust.

• Experiment with spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding cumin or chili powder for an extra kick. This personal touch can make your casserole truly unique.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier, ensuring each slice holds its shape.

• Make it ahead of time: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Serving your Mexican Cornbread Casserole can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to make your meal stand out.

Garnishes

• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy contrast that balances the spice of the casserole.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro sprinkled on top brings a bright flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to add a zesty twist that complements the hearty flavors.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This refreshing salad features corn, avocado, lime juice, and cotija cheese. Its creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the spicy casserole.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: The rich and creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips is a classic pairing that adds an enjoyable texture contrast.
• Refried Beans: A side of refried beans offers a satisfying protein-packed option that complements the flavors of the casserole beautifully.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing balance to this hearty dish.

Enjoy making and sharing your delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole! Each bite is sure to warm hearts and bring smiles around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is perfect for meal prep! It not only tastes amazing but also stores well, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Once cooled, cut the casserole into individual portions.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium until warmed through (about 2-3 minutes).
• Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated all the way through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Mexican Cornbread Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge for a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I use instead of ground beef for Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, or even use black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as needed!

How can I spice up my Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Feel free to add chopped jalapeños or additional spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder to kick up the heat!

Is Mexican Cornbread Casserole suitable for freezing?

Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just remember to wrap individual portions tightly before freezing.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Mexican Cornbread Casserole as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and sides—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this hearty meal. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try it!