Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, bring the mixture to room temperature, then prepare the cornbread topping fresh and proceed with baking. This saves time while ensuring the cornbread layer has the best texture.

What if I only have plain cornbread mix instead of Jiffy?

Plain cornbread mix works fine, but Jiffy has a slight sweetness that complements the savory beef mixture beautifully. If using another brand, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar to the cornbread mixture to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe less spicy for my kids?

Absolutely! Use mild Rotel tomatoes or substitute with a can of regular diced tomatoes plus a small can of mild green chilies. You can also reduce the taco seasoning by half and adjust to taste with additional salt if needed.

Why is my cornbread topping too dry/too wet?

Cornbread consistency can vary based on humidity and exact measurements. If your batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until pourable. If it's too wet, add additional cornbread mix a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency.

Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Name: Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 14.75 oz cream style corn; 8.75 oz canned corn; 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies; 1 oz taco seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tbsp onion powder; 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 17 oz Jiffy cornbread mix (2 boxes); 2 eggs, large; 2/3 cup milk

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings together the hearty satisfaction of a taco filling with the sweet, tender crumb of cornbread. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing dish creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The golden cornbread topping with melted cheese crowns a savory, spiced beef mixture that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dinner in Under an Hour: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor as all the ingredients meld together.
Family-Friendly: The combination of familiar flavors means even picky eaters will dive into this casserole. It’s got that perfect balance of mild spice and comfort food appeal.
Versatile: This casserole works brilliantly as a standalone meal or can be paired with simple sides for a more elaborate dinner. It’s also perfect for potlucks and gatherings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The protein foundation of this dish, providing hearty texture and savory flavor. Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
Cream Style Corn: Adds moisture and natural sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully.
Canned Corn: Provides bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the casserole.
Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Brings a perfect balance of acidity, mild heat, and Mexican-inspired flavor without requiring you to chop anything.
Taco Seasoning: The flavor powerhouse that transforms basic ground beef into something spectacular with minimal effort.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, onion powder): Enhances and rounds out all the other flavors in the dish.
Mexican Cheese Blend: Creates an irresistible melty layer inside the casserole and a golden crown on top. The combination of cheeses adds complexity without requiring you to buy multiple varieties.
Jiffy Cornbread Mix: The shortcut secret to getting that perfect sweet cornbread topping with minimal fuss.
Eggs: Provides structure to the cornbread layer, helping it rise properly.
Milk: Creates moisture and tenderness in the cornbread topping.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Spicier

Add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture or substitute hot Rotel for regular to kick up the heat level for spice lovers.

Vegetarian Version

Replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans and pinto beans, or try a plant-based ground beef substitute to keep that meaty texture.

Loaded Version

Add a layer of sour cream between the beef mixture and cornbread, or mix in diced bell peppers and onions with the ground beef for extra vegetables and flavor.

Breakfast Twist

Add scrambled eggs to the beef mixture and serve with avocado for a hearty breakfast casserole that will keep you full until lunch.

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

Brown the ground beef in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, crumbling it well. Once fully cooked, drain the excess grease and reduce heat to medium. Add the undrained cream corn, canned corn, and Rotel tomatoes with chilies, stirring to combine everything thoroughly.

Step 2: Season and Thicken

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Add Cheese to Beef Layer

Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese until completely melted and incorporated. This creates a rich, cheesy base layer that will contrast beautifully with the cornbread topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Layer

In a separate bowl, combine the Jiffy cornbread mix with eggs and milk. Stir until the mixture is relatively smooth with no large dry pockets. The batter should be pourable but thick.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the cornbread batter over the top, covering the beef mixture completely. Bake at 400°F for 17-20 minutes, until the cornbread is starting to turn golden brown.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cup of Mexican cheese blend over the cornbread layer. Return to the oven for another 4-5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Drain the Cans: The liquid from the corn and Rotel adds moisture and flavor to the beef mixture, creating a more cohesive casserole.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to cut clean portions and lets the flavors settle.
Cornbread Doneness: Check the cornbread layer with a toothpick before adding the final cheese topping. It should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Uniform Beef Crumbles: Take time to break up the ground beef into small, even pieces while cooking for the best texture throughout the casserole.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Toppings Bar

Set out bowls of sliced avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their portion.

Complete the Meal

For a fuller spread, pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side of black beans seasoned with cumin and lime juice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully baked casserole for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Alternatively, freeze individual portions for quick lunches.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave individual portions on medium power, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent the cornbread from drying out.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, bring the mixture to room temperature, then prepare the cornbread topping fresh and proceed with baking. This saves time while ensuring the cornbread layer has the best texture.
What if I only have plain cornbread mix instead of Jiffy?

Plain cornbread mix works fine, but Jiffy has a slight sweetness that complements the savory beef mixture beautifully. If using another brand, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar to the cornbread mixture to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe less spicy for my kids?

Absolutely! Use mild Rotel tomatoes or substitute with a can of regular diced tomatoes plus a small can of mild green chilies. You can also reduce the taco seasoning by half and adjust to taste with additional salt if needed.
Why is my cornbread topping too dry/too wet?

Cornbread consistency can vary based on humidity and exact measurements. If your batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until pourable. If it’s too wet, add additional cornbread mix a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole brings together the best of two comfort food worlds – savory taco-seasoned beef and sweet, tender cornbread – in one simple, satisfying dish. It’s the kind of recipe that proves delicious home cooking doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for something special yet simple for weekend entertaining, this casserole delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight – I’m confident it will earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation!