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This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is always an instant winner wherever I share it. If you have any leftovers from dinner, this casserole works out as a good breakfast meal too!

slice of mexican cornbread casserole on plate

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Cornbread Casseroles

Casseroles … the very word makes some people cringe, while others smile in delight. What side of the great casserole debate are you on? Personally, I love them. I think they’re comforting and they’re usually fairly economical. That’s a pretty good start to a wonderful recipe in my book!

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is no different! It’s a casserole – in fact, it’s one of my own personal favorites. And it’s wonderful, trust me. This recipe has been in our family’s handy-dandy “keeper” binder forever.

It’s easy to make and there’s always plenty to feed our family of 7! I have to admit, I have even enjoyed the leftovers for breakfast! 

This is pretty much a one-of-a-kind recipe. I hope your crew enjoys it as mine does. Here’s how you make it …

mexican cornbread casserole in baking dish

Cornbread Casserole Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

For this Corn Bake, you will need …

Ingredients

  • lean ground beef – the “beefy” part of this beefy jalapeno corn bake. You’ll put it into your casserole already cooked. Remember to drain the meat after it’s done cooking, or else your casserole will be all soggy!
  • eggs, corn, milk, oil, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, flour – these are all together because they make cornbread! Like I said, this recipe is one kind of a take on cornbread casserole, and you’re going to love it.
  • onions and shredded cheddar cheese – your “mix-ins.” In my opinion, you can’t have a good Mexican or Southwest-style recipe without cheese and onions! 
  • jalapenos – for additional Mexican flavor!! Believe it or not, this recipe doesn’t have a lot of “heat” to it. Just remove the seeds and membranes from these guys. It’s even kid-friendly!
cornbread casserole on fork

Cornbread Casseroles: FAQs

➡️ How many servings does this recipe make?

Usually about 10-12 servings. Feed all your loved ones!

➡️ How long does it take to cook a beefy jalapeno corn bake?

About an hour and twenty minutes. You’ll want the twenty minutes for prepping the ingredients, than an hour to actually cook the casserole.

➡️ What do you suggest as a side for this recipe?

It honestly holds up by itself in my opinion. It’s really filling! But if you find you need more, I recommend something light, like a salad or some kind of fruit-based side.

➡️ Can I use red jalapenos?

Sure, but keep in mind they’re hotter than the green ones even if you remove the seeds and such! (And remember to always wear gloves when handling peppers so you don’t get the juice in your eyes or nose by accident. Oww. It sounds goofy, but it happens more often than you think.)

➡️ Do you have to use jalapenos at all?

Technically, no. I think they work the best in this bake and provide the most flavor without adding a lot of spice.

➡️ Can I switch out the cheddar for another kind of cheese?

Of course! A Mexican blend also tastes wonderful in this recipe. Really, though, any cheese that you love with your Mexican food will work. Just remember you’ll just want something that melts well in the casserole, so feta may not be a great option here!

➡️ Is there anything I can add to season the meat?

Sure! You can add a packet of taco seasoning to this Mexican Cornbread Casserole if you would like! Or even quicker – use leftover taco meat!

➡️ Anything else I can add?

Sometimes I like to add a can of well-drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies.

slice of mexican cornbread casserole

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mexican cornbread casserole on plate
4.41 from 304 votes
Servings: 12 servings

Mexican Cornbread Casserole

By Jamie Sherman
This Mexican Cornbread Casserole is always an instant winner wherever I share it. If you have any leftovers from dinner, this casserole works out as a good breakfast meal too!
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes

Would you like to save this?

We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 can cream-style corn, 14 oz
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided, 16 oz.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, cook and crumble the beef until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.
  • In a bowl, beat eggs, corn, milk, and oil. Add the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
  • Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with 2 cups of cheese. Top with beef, onions, and jalapenos. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Pour the remaining batter over the top. Use the back of a spoon to spread the batter all the way to the edges.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center tests clean.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

  • Try adding some taco seasoning to the ground beef – or use leftover taco meat from taco night!
  • Sometimes I like to add a can of well-drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice, Calories: 400kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 91mg, Sodium: 594mg, Potassium: 324mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 530IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 333mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Originally published on August 19, 2012. Updated on June 29, 2022.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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4.41 from 304 votes (303 ratings without comment)

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36 Comments

  1. AMY says:

    Came out great! Better than a Mexican Casserole I tried a couple weeks ago. It was good to but this was better.
    Made my own Creamed Corn as only had niblets in pantry.
    Thank you 😊