Best Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe: Step-By-Step Guide

Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that transports me back to family gatherings, where laughter and the smell of comfort food filled the air. I first discovered this recipe during a cozy get-together, and it quickly became a crowd favorite.

This casserole is a marriage of savoury cornbread with bold Mexican flavours – sweet cornbread, spiced beef and the buzz of green chilli and salsa.

Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe great for a humble meal with friends or a reason to bust out the party hats, a symphony of heat and flavor that will ensure every bite feels like a celebration.

How do you make a Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe special?

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe the savory goodness of taco-seasoned beef with the sweetness of cornbread, resulting in a unique and irresistible dish.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Mexican-American cuisine or simply enjoy hearty, flavorful meals, this recipe will satisfy you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Course: Main Dish
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~350

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilis
• 1 cup canned corn, drained
• 1 cup canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 box (8.5 oz.) cornbread mix
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup milk
• Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the dish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the Flavor

Stir in the taco seasoning and chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.

4. Mix in the Veggies

Add the diced green chilis, corn, and kidney beans to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Prepare the Cornbread Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix. The batter will be a little lumpy, and that’s perfectly fine.

6. Layer the Casserole

Spoon the beef and veggie mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the cornbread batter over the top, spreading it out gently to cover the filling completely.

7. Bake It Up

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• Swap the Meat: If you want to go a more healthful route, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You could even make it a vegetarian casserole using a plant-based meat substitute. Just make sure you season well to keep the flavours rich!
• Make it Spicy: If you’re a fan of spicy, stir in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chilli flakes into the beef mixture. You can substitute a spicier green chile for the mild one here to kick things up.
• Extra Veggies: You can add additional veg if you want to make this casserole even heartier and even more healthy! Experiment with bell peppers, zucchini, spinach or sweet potatoes. These will contribute colour, texture and flavour without immoderately altering the fabric of the dish.
• Cornbread Mix Alternatives: I use Martha White’s Mexican cornbread mix, but feel free to use your favorite brand of a box of cornbread mix. If you prefer a more authentic cornbread and want to do it homemade, simply follow your favorite cornbread recipe! You can also substitute a gluten-free cornbread mix if you need a gluten-free alternative.
• Cheese Varieties: Although cheddar cheese is traditional, you can try different flavorful such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for added heat), or Mexican blend. That final 10 minutes of baking, bake-ons cheese can be added on top of the crust of GF mac and cheese for extra super cheesy melty crust golden goodness.
• Make it Dairy-Free: To make dairy-free cornbread, use a dairy-free cornbread mix (or make your own) and cheese substitutes. You can also use almond milk or another non-dairy milk in the cornbread batter instead of milk.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe with creamed corn, there are plenty of delicious ways to pair it with side dishes or top it off with some tasty garnishes. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh Green Salad: Quick and easy green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and It adds a nice fresh and light contrast with all the casserole’s cacophony of rich flavors. The salad is fresh to offset some of the heaviness of the dish.
• Guacamole & Salsa: To add even more flavour and texture to this casserole, serve it with creamy guacamole and chunky salsa. Fresh zest and a squeeze of lime will brighten all the flavours with a fresh zing.
• Mexican Rice: Good old Mexican rice as a side to absorb all the casserole goodies. Mix in a little bit of tomato sauce, garlic and cilantro for more flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A spoon of sour cream or plain Greek yoghurt gives an amazing, creamy cool to the spiciness of the dish. You could also garnish with a little fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a punch of color and a bit of freshness.
• Tortilla Chips: To add some crunch, serve the casserole with crisp tortilla chips. They’re excellent for shoveling up any casserole smatterings that fall on your plate.
• Pair with a Cold Drink: This is a fresh and mild casserole, which makes it great to cool down from with a cold beverage – maybe a fizzy lime soda, iced tea or even a margarita (if that’s how you roll).

Video Tutorial

What Is in Martha White Mexican Cornbread Mix?

Martha White’s Mexican cornbread mix generally comprises cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and a few additional ingredients.

It’s flavoured with chili powder and may occasionally include dried jalapeños, making it an ideal choice for this casserole. It saves time and enhances flavour!

How Do You Make Paula Den’s Corn Casserole?

If you’re a fan of Paula Den’s classic corn casserole, you can quickly transform it into a Mexican-style version by adding taco seasoning, green chilis, and a dash of cheddar cheese. It’s a swift way to add a twist to her delightful recipe!

Should You Let the Cornbread Batter Rest Before Baking?

Unlike certain baked goods, cornbread doesn’t require resting prior to baking. For optimal texture, just mix the ingredients and bake it straight away.

Conclusion

Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe is an easy going way to bring festivity to your meals with this jaunty combination of salt, spice, and savor. It’s sweet corn meets spicy peppers with a hit of creamy cheese, a familiar yet exciting dish.

Whether you’ve made it to accompany a meal as a side dish or it’s the main event, this casserole surely won’t disappoint.

I hope that you try Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe out, make it your own. Add whatever you like/ or have on hand~ like the spice?

And don’t forget to share your delectable results or any questions in the comment section, I’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions