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Easy Mexican Cornbread Casserole for Weeknight Dinners

Close-up of a serving of mexican cornbread casserole featuring a layer of seasoned ground meat topped with melted, browned cheddar cheese.

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Create a hearty, one-dish meal that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, and corn under a simple, cheesy cornbread topping. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

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 or Mexican-blend cheese, divided
  • 1 box cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Optional garnish: Sliced jalapeños or green onions

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 meat is fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
  3. Stir the taco seasoning, drained diced tomatoes with chiles, and corn kernels into the meat mixture. Simmer this filling mixture for 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese over the meat layer. If you are using sour cream for extra creaminess, dollop it over the cheese layer now.
  5. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread topping. Mix the cornbread mix, egg, milk, and melted butter until the batter is just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently spread the cornbread batter evenly 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 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
  9. Let the Mexican Cornbread Casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you slice and serve it. Garnish with jalapeños or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Using a standard cornbread mix makes this a quick weeknight dinner option.
  • For a spicier filling, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or use a hotter taco seasoning packet.
  • This dish works well as a potluck meal idea because it travels easily.

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