Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table, let me introduce you to my beloved Mexican Cornbread Casserole. This recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, combining tender ground beef with zesty spices, sweet corn, and gooey cheese, all crowned with a perfectly baked cornbread crust. It’s one of those meals that can turn an ordinary weeknight into something special or serve as a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings.

What makes this casserole even better is how easy it is to whip up! In just under an hour, you can have a hearty meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Layers: Each bite offers a satisfying combination of beef, cheese, and spices that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Family-Friendly: Kids adore the cheesy goodness and sweet corn, making it a hit at any family dinner.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to eat!
• Versatile Leftovers: Enjoy it as is or transform leftovers into a tasty lunch the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful Mexican Cornbread Casserole. You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry or local grocery store!

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 things about this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is its flexibility! You can easily tailor it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Incorporate chopped bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning for an extra kick.
• Go meatless: Replace the beef with black beans or lentils to create a delicious vegetarian version.

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before diving in, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and gives that lovely golden crust we all crave.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In your trusty 10” cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease! This step is crucial because it keeps your casserole from becoming too greasy while enhancing the beef’s flavor.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once your beef is cooked, add 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 heated through. This melding of flavors creates a savory base that’s just irresistible!

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over your mixture in the skillet. This layer adds creaminess and richness that perfectly balances the spiced beef below.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

In a separate bowl, mix together the Jiffy cornbread mix with eggs and milk until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; we want our cornbread to be fluffy and light!

Step 6: Layer It Up!

Now pour that delightful cornbread batter over your beef mixture in the skillet, spreading it out evenly. This ensures every bite gets that lovely cornbread crust.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Pop your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden brown color on top—it’s what makes this casserole so inviting!

Step 8: Add More Cheese

Once baked, take it out and sprinkle on another cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes until that cheese melts into bubbly goodness.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let your Mexican Cornbread Casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy this heartwarming dish with family or friends; it’s sure to be a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can elevate your dish to perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce and quality ground beef will enhance the flavors of your casserole, making it taste even more delicious.

• Customize the spice level: If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or using hot taco seasoning. Adjusting the spice level allows you to tailor the dish to your family’s taste preferences.

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

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to mix in other toppings like sliced olives or avocado before serving. Toppings can add both flavor and texture, making each bite interesting.

• Make it ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it unbaked. This will save you time when you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge!

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Serving your Mexican Cornbread Casserole is all about presentation and complementary flavors that enhance this comforting dish. Here are some ideas on how to make your meal even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a vibrant color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast that balances out the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This salad combines grilled corn, lime juice, cotija cheese (or a dairy-free alternative), and spices for a refreshing side that complements the casserole’s richness.

• Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips makes for a perfect appetizer or side that pairs wonderfully with any Mexican dish.

• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a hearty addition that not only enhances the meal but also adds protein and fiber to your plate.

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, radishes, and a zesty vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to your warm casserole, balancing out your meal perfectly.

Enjoy every bite of this comforting Mexican Cornbread Casserole with these delightful garnishes and sides!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, or even freeze it for later use. Here’s how to manage your leftovers effectively.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the casserole cool fully and then cut it into individual portions.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best quality, label the bags with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish.
• Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I make Mexican Cornbread Casserole without meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version. Just season them well to keep that tasty flavor.

What makes Mexican Cornbread Casserole special?

The layers of savory ground beef, zesty spices, and sweet corn topped with a crispy cornbread crust create a delightful combination that everyone loves. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for any occasion!

How do I adjust the spice level in my Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy diced tomatoes and green chilies. Additionally, you can control how much taco seasoning you add based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole! It’s a recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing this delightful dish with your loved ones. Happy cooking!