Name: Mexican Cornbread Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 500g ground beef (1 lb); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend); 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (285g) corn, drained; 2 boxes (240g each) cornbread mix; 2 large eggs; 240ml milk (1 cup); 200g shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend (2 cups); Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional); Sour cream or salsa, for serving (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the perfect combination of ease and flavor. It’s great for feeding a crowd, satisfying even the pickiest eaters, and reheats beautifully. With ingredients like seasoned ground beef, corn, cheese, and jalapeños, it delivers a delicious balance of spicy, savory, and sweet in every bite. Best of all, it’s made in one pan and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Yellow onion
Garlic
Taco seasoning
Canned corn (drained)
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Jiffy cornbread mix or homemade cornbread batter
Eggs
Milk
Jalapeños (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened.
Stir in taco seasoning, canned corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, combining with eggs and milk.
Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture and spread evenly.
Top with remaining cheese and sliced jalapeños if desired.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles.
Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Creamy Layer: Add a layer of sour cream or cream cheese between the meat and cornbread.
Sweet Cornbread: Use a sweeter cornbread mix for contrast with the spicy beef.
Topping Options: Serve with avocado slices, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream.
Cheese Swap: Use a Mexican blend, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What’s the best way to keep the cornbread from getting soggy?

Let the beef mixture cool slightly before adding the cornbread topping, and bake uncovered.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or even ground chicken works well in this recipe.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat level, but you can adjust the spice by adding or omitting jalapeños and choosing mild or hot taco seasoning.

Can I use homemade cornbread?

Yes, use your favorite cornbread batter recipe in place of boxed mix.

What size pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish works best, but you can also use a deep 10-inch skillet or round casserole dish.

Can I add beans?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans make a great addition to the beef layer.

What goes well with Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Serve with a green salad, guacamole, or rice for a complete meal.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I know when the cornbread is done?

The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Conclusion

Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a flavorful, filling, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Its combination of spiced beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy cornbread creates a comfort food experience everyone will love. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

Mexican Cornbread Casserole

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Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that layers moist cornbread with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and spices. A comforting and easy-to-make meal, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving a Tex-Mex inspired casserole.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, prepare cornbread batter by mixing cornbread mix, eggs, and milk according to package directions.
Spread half of the cornbread batter into the bottom of the baking dish.
Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the cornbread layer. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
Spread the remaining cornbread batter on top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool slightly, garnish with cilantro if desired, and serve with sour cream or salsa.

Notes

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add jalapeños or green chilies for extra heat.
Use homemade cornbread batter if you prefer.
Top with avocado or guacamole before serving.
Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 85mg