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Mexican cornbread casserole topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, served in a casserole dish.

Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, and cheesy cornbread into one delicious casserole. Perfect for busy nights or family gatherings, this easy, flavorful dish is sure to become a favorite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Mexican-American
Calories 350 kcal

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 chiles
  • 1 cup canned corn drained
  • 1 cup canned red kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 box 8.5 oz cornbread mix
  • 1 large egg
  • cup milk
  • Cooking spray or oil for greasing the dish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

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.

Add the Flavor

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

Mix in the Veggies

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

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.

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.

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 centre comes out clean.

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!

Notes

  • Beef alternatives: Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles work well as substitutes for ground beef. Seasoning is key to keeping the flavors bold.
  • Cheese variations: Try mixing up the cheese. Pepper Jack or a Mexican blend of cheeses would bring an extra kick to the dish!
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