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Easy Cheesy Mexican Cornbread Casserole with Ground Beef

Close-up of a thick slice of Mexican cornbread casserole with a golden-brown top and savory ground meat filling.

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This one-dish Mexican Cornbread Casserole layers seasoned ground beef, beans, and corn under a simple, cheesy cornbread topping. It is a hearty, family-friendly weeknight dinner that uses accessible ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels, drained (canned or frozen)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 box (8.5 ounces) cornbread mix (like Jiffy)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir the taco seasoning, drained diced tomatoes with chiles, and corn kernels into the beef mixture. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese over the beef layer. If using sour cream, dollop it over the meat layer now.
  5. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread topping by mixing the cornbread mix, egg, milk, and melted butter until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently spread the cornbread batter over the meat and cheese layer in the baking dish.
  7. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese melts.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you slice and serve it.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add 1/2 cup of drained, diced jalapeños to the beef mixture before baking.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions just before serving for added color and fresh flavor.
  • This recipe works well as a make-ahead casserole; assemble everything except the final cheese layer, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to the initial bake time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

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