The Ultimate Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe for Fiesta Night

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering mexican cornbread casserole that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Layers of savory ingredients blend perfectly with crumbly cornbread for a hearty meal.

Spicy jalapeños and rich ground beef create a delightful dance of flavors across your plate.

Cheese melts into every crevice, adding a creamy texture that makes each bite irresistible.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary and satisfying.

Families gather around this dish, sharing stories and enjoying every delectable spoonful.

You’ll want to make extra because nobody can resist seconds of this crowd-pleasing casserole.

Reasons To Love Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Customize Comfort Meals: Transform classic beef and cornbread into a one-pan wonder that brings excitement to family dinners with minimal kitchen fuss.
• Layer Flavor Powerhouse: Blend savory ground beef, sweet corn, and spicy seasonings creating a mouthwatering combination that satisfies multiple taste preferences in every single bite.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this hearty casserole using simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Utilize affordable ingredients like ground beef, cornbread mix, and pantry spices to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on deliciousness.

What Goes Into Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich, meaty flavor and substantial texture to the casserole.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Corn Kernels: These vegetables add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: These spices create a warm, complex flavor profile that complements the meat and vegetables.

• Eggs: Help bind the cornbread mixture and provide structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cornbread texture.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and richness to the batter.

• Cornbread Mix: Serves as the base for the topping, creating a golden, slightly sweet crust.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a sharp, creamy flavor and appealing golden-brown finish.

How To Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbly pieces until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3: Add Veggie Goodness

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sauté with the beef until vegetables become soft and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Corn Surprise

Fold corn kernels into the beef mixture, letting them warm through.

Step 6: Create Creamy Mixture

• Eggs
• Milk
• Sour cream

Blend until smooth and well-combined.

Step 7: Blend Cornbread Batter

Gently fold cornbread mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.

Step 8: Layer The Beef

Spread the seasoned beef and corn mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 9: Top With Cornbread

Pour cornbread batter over the meat layer, carefully spreading to cover the entire surface.

Step 10: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the cornbread layer for extra flavor and golden finish.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cornbread turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 12: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to set before serving.

Helpful Tips For Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Meat Browning Technique: Cook ground beef on medium-high heat, constantly breaking it into small pieces for even cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Seasoning Secret: Toast spices briefly in the skillet with meat to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper flavor profiles.
• Cornbread Mixing Mastery: Gently fold cornbread mix into wet ingredients, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender, light texture in the final dish.
• Cheese Topping Trick: Sprinkle cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a perfectly melted, golden-brown, crispy cheese layer without burning.

Fun Twists On Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Vegetarian Cornbread Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the same spice profile and vegetable mix for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Southwestern Style: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and incorporate chopped cilantro for a zesty regional flavor adaptation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Modification: Substitute cornbread mix with almond flour and use cauliflower rice instead of corn kernels to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the casserole's hearty texture.

Best Sides For Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Bright, tangy citrus cocktails cut through the casserole's richness, creating a refreshing counterpoint that elevates the entire meal's flavor profile.
• Serve with Crisp Coleslaw: Crunchy, cool slaw provides a light, acidic contrast to the hearty, warm casserole, balancing the dish's dense texture and spicy undertones.
• Complement with Mexican-Style Beer: Light lager or amber ale offers a crisp, slightly hoppy taste that matches the beef's savory notes and cornbread's subtle sweetness.
• Enhance with Pickled Jalapeños: Tangy, spicy pickled peppers add a zesty kick that intensifies the casserole's southwestern-inspired flavor, bringing an extra layer of excitement to each bite.

How To Store Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole fresh and tasty in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring no freezer burn affects the texture and flavor.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until steaming hot, stirring midway to distribute warmth evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing food safety and maintaining original delicious taste.

Common Questions About Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has mild seasoning. If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.

• How do I know the cornbread is fully cooked?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean without wet batter, the cornbread is done. The top should also be golden brown.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Mexican cornbread casserole blends spicy southwestern flavors with hearty comfort. Melted cheese, ground beef, and cornmeal create a delightful one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Corn and Protein:

• 2 cups corn kernels
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Bread and Binding:

• 1 package cornbread mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 1 diced onion
• 1 diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, stirring to ensure even seasoning distribution.
5. Mix corn kernels into the beef mixture, allowing them to integrate and warm through.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and sour cream until smooth and well-combined.
7. Fold the cornbread mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated without overmixing.
8. Transfer the seasoned beef and corn mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
9. Pour the cornbread batter over the meat layer, carefully spreading to cover the entire surface.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the cornbread layer for added flavor and golden-brown finish.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining the dish’s robust flavor profile.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding diced jalapeños for extra heat lovers.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting ground meat with black beans or plant-based protein crumbles for a hearty alternative.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg