Mexican Cornbread Casserole

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There’s nothing like a hearty, cheesy casserole to bring everyone around the table—and this Mexican Cornbread Casserole is always a hit in my house! It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, colorful veggies, and topped with a golden layer of cornbread. If you love comfort food with a little kick, this one’s for you.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to try something a little different but still easy. Plus, you probably have most of these ingredients on hand already!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
  • ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (I like to use 90% lean for less grease)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
  • 1 cup salsa

For the Cornbread Topping:

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

1. Prep Your Oven & Veggies

Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent—about 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t brown; we want that beautiful color!

2. Cook the Beef

Add ground beef, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it’s no longer pink. If there’s a lot of fat, go ahead and drain it off.

3. Add Corn & Cheese

Stir in the frozen corn and let it cook for a minute, just until it’s thawed. Turn off the heat and mix in ¼ cup of the shredded cheese until it’s nice and melty.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the salsa evenly over the top.

5. Make the Cornbread Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, salt, baking soda, milk, and eggs until just combined. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—a few lumps are fine!

6. Top & Bake

Pour the cornbread batter over the beef and salsa layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.

Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the cornbread is set and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

  • Smooth Cornbread Batter: For extra fluffy cornbread, blend the batter in a blender before pouring it on top.
  • Cheesier Top: Sprinkle extra cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
  • Drain the Fat: If your beef is on the fattier side, make sure to drain it before assembling to avoid a greasy casserole.

Variations

  • Italian Polenta Casserole: Swap ground beef for sausage, use mozzarella instead of Mexican cheese, and marinara instead of salsa.
  • Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños and use Pepper Jack cheese. A layer of sour cream can help balance the heat.
  • Pot Pie Style: Use ground chicken, add carrots and peas, and top with a simple béchamel sauce instead of salsa.

What to Serve with Mexican Cornbread Casserole

This casserole is a meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, try a simple green salad or a side of black beans. While it’s baking, you have time to whip up a quick dessert—my family loves Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies or a classic Chocolate Eclair Cake. If your oven’s already on, why not bake a Peach Cobbler Pound Cake for something extra special?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes—cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Definitely! Just swap out the beef for your favorite ground meat.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is comfort food at its best—simple to make, family-friendly, and full of bold flavors. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite twist or what you served it with. Happy cooking!