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

Hi there! I’m Nahid Olivia, the food blogger and recipe creator behind Olivia Cookery. Growing up, one of my favorite comfort foods was my mom’s Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe. 

Inspired by those nostalgic meals, I developed this Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe to blend rich flavors with ease. 

It’s filled with flavorful beef, melty cheddar cheese, and an incredibly soft cornbread topping. 

Ideal for a hectic weeknight dinner or a weekend potluck, this Best Mexican cornbread casserole recipe has swiftly become a family favorite.

What Makes Mexican Cornbread Casserole Special?

This casserole combines 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’re looking for a lighter option, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You could even use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian casserole. Just be sure to season well to keep the flavours prosperous!
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chilli flakes into the beef mixture. You can also swap the mild green chiles for a spicier variety to kick things up a notch.
• Extra Veggies: To make the casserole even more hearty and nutritious, add more veggies. Try incorporating bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or sweet potatoes. These will add colour, texture, and flavour without changing the overall feel of the dish.
• Cornbread Mix Alternatives: While I love using Martha White’s Mexican cornbread mix, you can use any box cornbread mix you prefer. If you want a more authentic, homemade version, you can make your cornbread from scratch using your favourite recipe. You could also use a gluten-free cornbread mix if you need a gluten-free option.
• Cheese Varieties: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other types, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for extra spice), or a Mexican blend. For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle some cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a golden, melty crust.
• Make it Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use a dairy-free cornbread mix and cheese alternatives. You can also substitute almond milk or another non-dairy milk for the milk in the cornbread batter.

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: This simple salad, made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light lime vinaigrette, pairs perfectly with the casserole’s rich flavours. The salad’s freshness helps balance the dish’s heaviness.
• Guacamole & Salsa: For added flavour and texture, serve this casserole with a side of creamy guacamole and chunky salsa. A squeeze of lime on top will also brighten the flavours and give them a fresh zing.
• Mexican Rice: Traditional Mexican rice is a great side dish for soaking up the casserole’s flavours. For extra flavor, add a bit of tomato sauce, garlic, and cilantro.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yoghurt adds an incredible, creamy contrast to the dish’s heat. For a bit of colour and freshness, you could also sprinkle some fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top.
• Tortilla Chips: To add some crunch, serve the casserole with crispy tortilla chips. They’re perfect for scooping up any bits of casserole that fall onto your plate.
• Pair with a Cold Drink: A cold beverage like a fizzy lime soda, iced tea, or even a margarita (if you’re in the mood) is the perfect way to wash down this flavorful casserole.

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 Deen’s Corn Casserole?

If you’re a fan of Paula Deen’s classic corn casserole, you can quickly transform it into a Mexican-style version by adding taco seasoning, green chiles, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe is everything you want in a comfort food recipe—easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. 

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a satisfying meal to prepare ahead of time, this dish has you covered. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do!

Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below or ask any questions. I’m always here to help you out in the kitchen!