Mexican Corn Bread Casserole With Meat
A flavorful Mexican-inspired cornbread casserole layered with seasoned meat, cheese, and corn, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests seeking hearty comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and jalapeno pepper to the meat, cook until softened.
- Set the meat mixture aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk and 1 cup of corn.
- Combine the egg mixture with the corn bread mix to form a batter.
- Pour half of the batter into a greased 9-inch baking pan.
- Layer the cooked meat mixture over the batter.
- Top with cheese slices and the remaining cup of corn.
- Pour the rest of the batter over the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider increasing the jalapeno pepper or adding diced green chilies. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use a vegetarian meat alternative for a meatless version. If you don't have cream-style corn, blend regular corn with a little cream or milk to achieve a similar consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Corn Bread Casserole pairs beautifully with Cold Mexican Corn Salad for a refreshing side. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of Cheesy Enchilada Sauce for added flavor. You can also enjoy it alongside a simple green salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Corn Bread Casserole With Meat contains roughly 839 calories, with 28g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cheese slices?
If you prefer not to use cheese slices, shredded cheese works well as a substitute. Options like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can enhance the flavor. Just sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole before baking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
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).