Mexican Cornbread Casserole with Jiffy Cornbread

This easy Mexican Cornbread Casserole recipe is hearty and packed with flavor. It starts with a filling of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, olives, tomatoes, and a Mexican blend of spices, and simmered together in tomato sauce. Then it’s topped with golden cornbread made with a box of Jiffy cornbread mix, eggs, milk, and shredded cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• The combination of savory ground beef, sweet, fluffy cornbread topping, and classic Mexican spices creates a rich and satisfying flavor.
• This casserole is warm and comforting. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in!
• This main dish is made with hearty ingredients in under an hour, making it a go-to option for busy weekend nights without sacrificing tastes!

What will I need to complete this recipe?

You will need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Canned black beans
• Canned kidney beans
• Canned corn
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Canned olives
• Canned tomato sauce
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Chili powder
• Jiffy Cornbread Mix
• Shredded Colby Monterey Jack Cheese
• Eggs
• 2% Milk

You will need the following supplies:

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing tools
• Nonstick spray
• 9×13 baking dish

How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF, grease 9×13 baking dish, and set aside.

2. Season ground beef with salt and pepper in a large skillet and cook on medium-high heat until no longer pink. It should take approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.

3. Add cans of black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, olives, tomato sauce, and remaining seasonings. Stir until well incorporated. Let simmer on medium heat until everything is heated through, approximately 5 minutes.

Add meat filling to a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.

Cornbread Topping

4. Add the jiffy cornbread mix, eggs, milk, and shredded cheese to a mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until combined. The mixture will be somewhat lumpy.

5. Spoon the cornbread batter over the filling and spread evenly with a spatula.

6. Bake at 350ºF for 30-35 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into it comes out clean.

This Mexican Cornbread Casserole with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food and a hearty dinner. It combines savory seasoned beef, beans, and corn with a sweet cornbread topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks. The simplicity of using Jiffy cornbread mix and pantry staples ensures that this dish comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

If you need another yummy dinner idea, try out our Easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

How do I store Mexican Cornbread Casserole?

Let the casserole completely cool before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store them longer, place the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with tinfoil. The casserole will last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, take it out, let it thaw, and reheat it in the microwave.

What to serve with Mexican Cornbread casserole?

Garnish this casserole with sour cream, chives, salsa, or fresh tomatoes. It’s a great stand-alone dish, so additional sides aren’t necessary. If you’re looking to add a side, it would be great with a light leafy green salad.

Can I substitute with dairy-free milk in the jiffy mix?

Yes, you can use a milk alternative in a 1:1 ratio instead of regular milk in the cornbread. Popular options like almond, soy, or oat milk work well as substitutes. The cornbread’s texture and flavor should remain similar, though slight differences may occur depending on the milk used. This recipe was tested using 2% milk.

Optional add-ins and substitutions:

• Add a can of green chilis to the casserole filling, cornbread mixture, or both!
• If you like your dishes more spicy, add a diced jalapeno or two or a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Add in a diced yellow onion. Sautee with the ground beef until translucent.
• If you don’t have both types on hand, you can use two cans of one kind of bean. Pinto beans would be great as well.
• Use taco seasoning in place of the spices listed in the recipe.
• Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or ground beef.