Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe – Easy Family Dinner

Are you looking for a dish that’s both comforting and loved by all? Our Mexican Cornbread Casserole is just what you need. It’s a mix of Tex-Mex flavors and classic comfort food. With seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a cornbread topping, it’s a twist on taco casserole that will impress your family.

Key Takeaways

• This recipe yields 10-12 servings, making it perfect for family dinners.
• It takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare and cook, with 20 minutes for prep and an hour for cooking.
• The casserole has a rating of 4.41 out of 5 from 304 votes, indicating its popularity.
• Each serving contains around 400 calories, 22g of carbohydrates, 21g of protein, and 26g of fat.
• The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your own twist with taco seasoning or leftover taco meat.

Why This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is Perfect for Family Dinners

Family dinners are all about saving time, being budget-friendly, and pleasing the kids. Luckily, the Mexican Cornbread Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It’s a great pick for your next family meal.

Time-Saving Benefits

Having a meal ready in one dish is a big win for busy nights. This recipe is ready in just 55 minutes. You can have a full meal on the table in under an hour.

Budget-Friendly Meal Solution

This casserole uses affordable ingredients like lean ground beef, corn, and a cornbread mix. It’s a cost-effective way to feed your family. Plus, it serves 8 people, making it a great value.

Kid-Approved Comfort Food

This dish combines the flavors of tacos and cornbread, making it a hit with kids. You can adjust the recipe to fit your kids’ tastes. This ensures a quick family dinner that everyone will love.

Looking for an affordable meal or something that kids will enjoy? The Mexican Cornbread Casserole is your go-to. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and tastes great. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Essential Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Making our tasty Mexican Cornbread Casserole is easy with the right stuff. You’ll need lean ground beef, a big onion, a red bell pepper, and garlic. For flavor, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilis, creamed corn, and whole-kernel corn are must-haves.

For the cornbread, grab Jiffy mix, eggs, and milk. Don’t forget shredded Mexican blend cheese for the top. You’ll also need a 9×13-inch casserole dish, a skillet, and mixing bowls.

Want to make it your own? Add black beans, extra bell peppers, or top it with sour cream, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños. With these ingredients and tools, you’ll make a dish everyone will enjoy.

You’ll also need some basic equipment:

• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Skillet for browning the ground beef
• Mixing bowls

With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole. Let’s start cooking!

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making the perfect Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a fun journey. We’ll guide you through each step. Let’s start and see how to make this tasty dish.

Preparing the Ground Beef Mixture

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef until it’s fully done. Then, add diced onions and cook until they’re soft and clear.

After that, mix in taco seasoning, canned corn, and Rotel tomatoes. This will blend the flavors into a tasty ground beef mix.

Creating the Cornbread Layer

For the cornbread topping, we’ll use Jiffy corn muffin mix. In another bowl, mix eggs and milk. Then, add the muffin mix and mix until smooth. This will make our cornbread layer moist and fluffy.

Assembly and Baking Instructions

Now, let’s put it all together. Spread the ground beef mixture in a greased casserole dish. Add a layer of shredded cheese on top. Then, spread the cornbread batter evenly over the cheese.

Bake the casserole at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. It should be golden brown when done. Remove it from the oven, add more cheese, and bake for 2 more minutes to melt the cheese.

Follow these steps to make a delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole. You’ll impress your family and friends with this tasty dish!

Recipe Tips and Variations

Our Mexican Cornbread Casserole is perfect for getting creative. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Try mild or hot Rotel tomatoes, or use regular diced tomatoes and green chiles for a milder taste.

Don’t hesitate to add extra ingredients to the ground beef. Black beans, pinto beans, or diced bell peppers are great options. They add nutrition and texture.

For a different cornbread topping, use Krusteaz Southern Cornbread Mix. It’s less sweet than the classic Jiffy.

When it comes to cheese options, you have many choices. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack are all tasty. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick.

Want to try something different? Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. The recipe can be adjusted to fit your dietary needs and preferences.

The beauty of this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is its versatility. Feel free to make it your own. With a few tweaks, you can turn it into a culinary masterpiece!

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Enjoy the leftovers of this tasty Mexican Cornbread Casserole for days. Proper storage and reheating keep the casserole’s flavor and texture great. Here are the tips to make the most of this freezer-friendly meal.

Refrigeration Methods

Just cool the casserole and put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. This keeps the flavors in and prevents drying out. Reheat well before serving.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze the casserole for up to 3 months if you want to save it longer. Cool it down first, then put it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking or microwaving.

Best Reheating Practices

For the best reheating, follow these tips:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Put the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it loosely with foil.
3. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and the cheese is melted.
4. Or, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole for days. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a family meal. The casserole will always be a hit.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

The Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a versatile dish. It can be made even better with taco toppings, side dishes, and Mexican garnishes. Try adding a dollop of sour cream, some guacamole, or zesty salsa for extra flavor.

For a full meal, pair it with a fresh salad or Mexican rice. Add sliced black olives, diced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro for color and texture.

This casserole is great for potlucks, meal trains, or Cinco de Mayo. Serve it with Mexican desserts like Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars or Tres Leches Cake for a festive spread.

The Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a delightful dish. It can be customized to your family’s liking. Whether you like it mild or spicy, it’s sure to be a weeknight favorite.

Conclusion

The Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a hit for families. It mixes Tex-Mex flavors with the warmth of cornbread. It’s perfect for busy families looking for a tasty, quick meal.

This casserole is great for a cozy dinner or a potluck. Its flavors and texture are loved by all. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can enjoy a homemade meal without much work.

Try the Mexican Cornbread Casserole in your kitchen. It’s a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy. Its versatility and appeal make it a new favorite for your family.