A perfect fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and comforting cornbread, this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a hearty one-dish meal that brings together seasoned ground beef, zesty vegetables, and a creamy cornbread topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a southwestern twist. The savory ground beef layer seasoned with bold taco spices pairs perfectly with the sweet, moist cornbread topping. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of textures—from the meaty base to the fluffy cornbread and melted cheese—creates a satisfying meal that the whole family will request again and again. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your heat preference and available ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef serves as the protein-packed foundation of this casserole. It absorbs all the spices beautifully and provides a hearty texture that stands up to the cornbread topping. You could substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Onion adds essential aromatic flavor and subtle sweetness that enhances the beef. When sautéed, it releases natural sugars that build depth in the dish.
Taco seasoning transforms ordinary ground beef into a Mexican-inspired filling with minimal effort. The blend typically includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other spices that give this dish its distinctive Southwestern character.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring acidity, moisture, and a mild heat to the meat mixture. They add both flavor and color to the dish without making it too spicy.
Corn provides sweet pops of texture throughout the casserole. The natural sweetness balances the savory, spiced meat layer perfectly.
Shredded cheddar cheese creates that irresistible melty, gooey layer that holds everything together. Its sharp flavor complements the other ingredients while adding richness.
Cornbread mix is the star of the topping, creating a golden crust that’s both sweet and savory. The pre-made mix simplifies preparation while still delivering homemade flavor.
Sour cream makes the cornbread extra moist and tender while adding a subtle tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the Mexican-inspired ingredients.
Salsa contributes additional moisture and flavor to the meat mixture, bringing in notes of tomato, onion, and peppers that enhance the overall Tex-Mex profile.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with chilies, and corn. Cook for 5 minutes and then remove from heat.
- Prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions, then stir in sour cream.
- Layer beef mixture in the prepared baking dish, top with cornbread batter, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 6 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. The preparation takes about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is 35 minutes, for a total of 50 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, offering a satisfying meal that won’t break your calorie bank.
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with black beans or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or plant-based ground.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños to the meat mixture and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for those who enjoy extra heat.
Creamy Addition: Spread a layer of cream cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream over the meat before adding the cornbread batter.
Loaded Version: Add black olives, bell peppers, and more varieties of cheese for a loaded casserole experience.
Breakfast Casserole: Add scrambled eggs to the meat mixture and serve for brunch with avocado slices.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover Mexican Cornbread Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated leftovers, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For whole leftovers, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes.
Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as above, or reheat from frozen by covering with foil and baking at 325°F for 30-40 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, bring the mixture to room temperature, prepare the cornbread topping, assemble, and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for the cornbread mix?
You can make homemade cornbread batter instead of using a mix. Combine 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 2 beaten eggs.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Standard cornbread mix and taco seasoning usually contain gluten. However, you can easily find gluten-free versions of both products to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat substitutes work well in this recipe. Just be aware that turkey might need a bit more seasoning as it has a milder flavor.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The cornbread topping should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes! Black beans or pinto beans make an excellent addition. Add a drained and rinsed 15-oz can along with the corn for extra protein and fiber.
What side dishes go well with Mexican Cornbread Casserole?
A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or Mexican rice pairs perfectly with this casserole. For a lighter meal, serve with a side of sliced avocado or a simple tomato and cucumber salad.
How can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?
Use mild taco seasoning and omit the green chilies from the diced tomatoes (or use plain diced tomatoes instead). You can also serve hot sauce on the side for adults who prefer more heat.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, about 1 1/2 cups of fresh corn kernels cut from the cob or frozen corn (thawed) can replace the canned corn. Fresh corn will add a wonderful sweet pop of flavor.
Why is my cornbread topping dry?
The addition of sour cream should help keep the cornbread moist. If you find it’s still too dry, you can add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of milk to the cornbread batter before baking.
Conclusion
Mexican Cornbread Casserole is the perfect solution when you’re craving a filling, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The combination of seasoned ground beef and vegetables topped with creamy cornbread creates a satisfying one-dish meal that feels both comforting and special. What makes this recipe truly outstanding is its versatility—it can be customized to suit your family’s tastes and what you have on hand. Whether served for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a potluck contribution, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of Tex-Mex flavors in an easy-to-prepare format, this Mexican Cornbread Casserole should be at the top of your list.
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Mexican Cornbread Casserole
A delicious and hearty Mexican Cornbread Casserole with layers of seasoned beef, cornbread, and cheesy goodness.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 box cornbread mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with chilies, and corn. Cook for 5 minutes and then remove from heat.
- Prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions, then stir in sour cream.
- Layer beef mixture in the prepared baking dish, top with cornbread batter, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you like spicy food, consider using spicy taco seasoning and adding jalapeños to the mixture.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
