Mexican Cornbread Casserole

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug, let me introduce you to my beloved Mexican Cornbread Casserole. This recipe has become a staple in our home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its hearty layers of ground beef, zesty spices, and gooey cheese all enclosed in a golden cornbread crust, it’s hard not to fall in love with every bite!

This casserole is not just tasty; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for lunch, this dish fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it brings everyone together – there’s something so special about sharing a warm meal with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious casserole in the oven before you know it!
• Family-friendly: The flavors are mild and delicious, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead option: You can assemble it earlier in the day and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. They blend together beautifully to create layers of flavor that make this dish so special.

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 great things about this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Change the cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick!
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy taco seasoning.

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that nice golden crust we all love.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a 10” cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Draining any excess grease is important because it keeps your casserole from becoming too greasy later on.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Next, add the cream-style corn, frozen corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and taco seasoning to the skillet with your cooked beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step allows all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Time for some cheesy goodness! Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over your beef mixture before moving on to prepare the cornbread topping. This layer adds richness and creaminess.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

In a separate bowl, mix together the Jiffy cornbread mix with eggs and milk. Stir gently until just combined – over-mixing can lead to dense cornbread, and we want it fluffy!

Step 6: Assemble Your Casserole

Pour that lovely cornbread batter right over your beef mixture in the cast iron pan. Spread it out evenly so every bite has that delicious topping.

Step 7: Bake It Up

Now it’s time to bake! Place your skillet in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through – this is where the magic happens!

Step 8: Add More Cheese

Once baked, take out your casserole and sprinkle on another cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pop it back into the oven for another 5 minutes until that cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Let It Cool

Before serving, allow your casserole to cool for just a few minutes. It will be easier to serve up when it’s not scalding hot! Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you’d like – they add a lovely touch!

Now gather around with family or friends and enjoy this delightful Mexican Cornbread Casserole together!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Making this delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole is simple, but a few tips can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices enhance the flavors significantly. Fresh corn, for instance, will add a sweet crunch that frozen corn cannot replicate.

• Customize your spice level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding extra diced jalapeños or using a spicier taco seasoning. This allows you to tailor the casserole to your personal taste.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

• Experiment with cheese types: While cheddar is classic, mixing in some pepper jack or Monterey Jack can add an exciting flavor twist. Cheese is always a crowd-pleaser!

• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread batter in advance, then assemble before baking. This makes dinner prep quick and easy on busy nights!

How to Serve Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Serving this casserole is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary dishes that enhance its flavors. Let’s dive into some creative ways to serve it!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and color to your dish.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy goodness helps balance the spices in the casserole.
• Sliced green onions: These add a nice crunch and mild onion flavor that brightens up each bite.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad made with grilled corn, lime juice, cilantro, and cotija cheese pairs perfectly with the casserole’s rich flavors.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a hearty side option that complements the textures of the casserole while adding protein and fiber.
• Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices serves as an excellent base to soak up any leftover casserole sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad dressed with lime vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cornbread casserole.

With these tips for serving and garnishing, your Mexican Cornbread Casserole is sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week! You can easily cook it ahead of time and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
• Cut into individual portions for easy serving.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• For microwave reheating, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Mexican Cornbread Casserole without meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version. Simply follow the same steps, adjusting cooking times if necessary.

What can I serve with Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips. You can also top it with sour cream or salsa for extra flavor!

How do I store Mexican Cornbread Casserole leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Mexican Cornbread Casserole as much as I do! It’s not only hearty and comforting but also versatile enough to fit into your meal prep routine. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try it!