Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe

If you are looking to bring a vibrant burst of comfort and flavor to your dinner table, this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is an absolute must-try. Combining the hearty, savory goodness of seasoned ground beef with the sweet, moist texture of cornbread, this dish beautifully balances spicy, cheesy, and sweet elements all in one pan. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal where everyone can dig in and enjoy a little taste of Tex-Mex bliss that warms the soul and excites the taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the rich, spiced ground beef to the creamy cornbread topping, creating layers of flavor and delightful textures throughout the casserole.

• Ground beef (1 lb): Provides the hearty, savory base that carries the bold taco seasoning.
• Taco seasoning packet: Adds authentic Mexican spices, elevating the beef with smoky and spicy notes.
• Water (½ cup): Helps the taco seasoning meld evenly with the meat and keeps the mixture moist.
• Corn (15 oz can, drained): Brings a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat.
• Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz can, drained): Infuses a tangy, mildly spicy kick to brighten the entire dish.
• Cream-style corn (8 oz can): Adds moisture and a lovely creamy texture to the cornbread topping.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, plus extra for topping): Melts into the beef mixture and the topping, creating irresistible gooey pockets of flavor.
• Jiffy cornbread mix (1 box): The foundation for that classic cornbread crust that’s moist and golden.
• Egg (1): Binds the cornbread mixture together for a perfect fluffiness.
• Milk (⅓ cup): Lightens the cornbread batter for an ideal tender crumb.
• Optional garnishes: Chopped jalapeños, green onions, and sour cream add freshness, heat, and creaminess as finishing touches.

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures it’s hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to help the cornbread topping achieve its gorgeous golden crust.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being greasy. Then, stir in the taco seasoning packet along with half a cup of water. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld into a beautifully seasoned meat base.

Step 3: Combine the Filling

Next, fold in your drained corn, Rotel tomatoes with their tantalizing green chilies, and the shredded cheddar cheese into the seasoned beef. This mixture is the soul of the casserole, packed with savory, spicy, and sweet elements all mingling together. Spread this mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Mix the Cornbread Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Jiffy cornbread mix, cream-style corn, egg, and milk until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing here to keep the topping light and tender once baked.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Pour the cornbread batter over the beef layer, gently spreading it out with a spatula to cover the filling completely. For an extra cheesy finishing touch, sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar over the top. Pop the dish in the oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and set in the center.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps it set and makes serving cleaner. Garnish your masterpiece with chopped jalapeños for a spicy pop, green onions for freshness, and a dollop of sour cream for creamy balance.

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Garnishes

Personalizing your Mexican Cornbread Casserole with garnishes brings out wonderful layers of flavor and texture. The heat from fresh jalapeños contrasts with the cool creaminess of sour cream, while green onions add a bright, crisp finish. Don’t skip these small touches—they make every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal all on its own, but you can round it out beautifully with classic sides like a fresh garden salad, guacamole with tortilla chips, or a light black bean salad. These options add vibrant colors and fresh notes that complement the hearty richness of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, consider scooping the casserole onto individual plates and topping with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or diced avocado. To really impress guests, serve it in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, adding an artisanal feel to this homestyle favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you probably will because this dish is so good), let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Mexican Cornbread Casserole freezes wonderfully. Prepare the casserole fully but skip the final garnish until after reheating. Wrap the baking dish with extra layers of foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. A few fresh garnishes after reheating bring the dish back to life just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works perfectly in Mexican Cornbread Casserole without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to drain excess moisture since turkey can be a bit wetter than beef.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein or simply double the corn and add black beans for a hearty vegetarian version. Adjust the taco seasoning accordingly and enjoy a meat-free but equally delicious meal.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the Mexican Cornbread Casserole a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, just bake as directed, adding extra baking time if still cold from the fridge.

What can I substitute for Jiffy cornbread mix?

If you don’t have Jiffy, you can use any quick-mix cornbread mix or even bake your favorite homemade cornbread batter in the same way. The key is to maintain the moist texture with cream-style corn and eggs.

How spicy is the casserole?

The casserole has a moderate spice level, thanks to the Rotel’s mild heat and optional jalapeños. You can easily adjust the heat up or down depending on your preference by adding more or fewer chilies or swapping out the taco seasoning.

Final Thoughts

If you love dishes that blend heartiness with a little kick and a comforting cornbread topping, this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is sure to become one of your favorites. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special but comes together so simply. Give it a try — your taste buds and family will thank you!

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