Cheesy Mexican Cornbread Squares
Cheesy Mexican Cornbread Squares combine seasoned ground beef, vibrant salsa, corn, and melted cheese, layered over cornbread—perfect for hearty gatherings and flavor-packed comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 16 oz. jar mild chunky salsa ⓘ
- 11 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 9 oz. package shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ripe olives, sliced ⓘ
- sour cream ⓘ
- salsa ⓘ
- 1 can Marie Calendars cornbread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped onion, chopped green pepper, salsa, drained corn, garlic powder, and chili powder; reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes.
- Prepare cornbread mixture according to can instructions.
- Spread the cornbread batter in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the batter.
- Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese and sliced olives on top.
- Bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with sour cream and salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika to the beef mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, opt for a hotter salsa or add jalapeños. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with black beans or grilled vegetables. This dish pairs beautifully with Hot Meat Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cheesy Mexican Cornbread Squares warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream and additional salsa on the side. They pair well with a fresh green salad or guacamole for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve alongside Tacos (Child Snack Recipe) or Barbecue Taco Salads for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cornbread squares in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Ensure the cheese is melted before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Mexican Cornbread Squares contains roughly 437 calories, with 16g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 832mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and cornbread batter in advance. Assemble the dish up to the baking step and cover it tightly in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the best results.
What can I use instead of cornbread mix?
If you prefer homemade cornbread, you can use a simple recipe that includes cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, and eggs. Just ensure the consistency is similar to the store-bought mix for best results.
Is it possible to freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the squares to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).