Few meals compare to a Mexican Cornbread Casserole for satisfying comfort cuisine with a spicy flare. This delectable dish combines the heartiness of cornbread with the vivid flavors of Mexican food to create a delicious fusion that will send your taste buds into a frenzy. Our recipe for Mexican Cornbread Casserole can satisfy your hunger for a gourmet supper or your hosting a family dinner.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cornbread Layer:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred level of spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced jalapeños for extra heat (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat and Prepare:
-
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready. A 9×13-inch baking dish should be greased and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cornbread Batter:
-
Mix the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt in a mixing dish. Melted butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk should all be combined in a separate bowl. Stirring until just blended, gradually add the wet liquid to the dry mixture. Corn kernels and cheddar cheese shavings are added by folding.
3. Layer the Cornbread:
-
Spread out half of the cornbread batter evenly on the bottom of the baking dish after pouring it in.
4. Cook the Filling:
-
Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the red bell pepper and diced onion until they soften. Add the salsa, black beans, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper after stirring. For a few minutes, boil the mixture to ensure thorough blending.
5. Add the Filling Layer:
-
Over the cornmeal layer in the baking dish, evenly distribute the prepared filling.
6. Top It Off:
-
Over the filled layer, add the remaining cheddar cheese crumbles. Add some chopped jalapenos on the top if you want it hot.
7. Finish Baking:
-
Complete the baking by spreading the remaining cornbread batter as evenly as you can over the cheese layer. When the cornbread layer is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the baking dish comes out clean, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve:
-
After removing the casserole from the oven, let it cool a little. Add fresh cilantro that has been chopped on top for a colorful and flavorful garnish. Your Mexican Cornbread Casserole should be generously cut into squares and served with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa.
Mexican Cornbread Casserole
With our cornbread casserole, taste the blend of homey and Mexican tastes. In a wonderful symphony, hearty cornbread and zingy spices will satisfy your hunger for comfort cuisine with a twist.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Skillet
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Wooden spoon:
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Layer:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa (choose your preferred level of spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced jalapeños for extra heat (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready. A 9×13-inch baking dish should be greased and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cornbread Batter:
- Mix the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt in a mixing dish. Melted butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk should all be combined in a separate bowl. Stirring until just blended, gradually add the wet liquid to the dry mixture. Corn kernels and cheddar cheese shavings are added by folding.
3. Layer the Cornbread:
- Spread out half of the cornbread batter evenly on the bottom of the baking dish after pouring it in.
4. Cook the Filling:
- Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the red bell pepper and diced onion until they soften. Add the salsa, black beans, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper after stirring. For a few minutes, boil the mixture to ensure thorough blending.
5. Add the Filling Layer:
- Over the cornmeal layer in the baking dish, evenly distribute the prepared filling.
6. Top It Off:
- Over the filled layer, add the remaining cheddar cheese crumbles. Add some chopped jalapenos on the top if you want it hot.
7. Finish Baking:
- Complete the baking by spreading the remaining cornbread batter as evenly as you can over the cheese layer. When the cornbread layer is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the baking dish comes out clean, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- After removing the casserole from the oven, let it cool a little. Add fresh cilantro that has been chopped on top for a colorful and flavorful garnish. Your Mexican Cornbread Casserole should be generously cut into squares and served with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa.
Video
Nutrition Fact –
Serving Size: 1 square slice (assuming the casserole is divided into 12 slices)
Calories: Approximately 250 – 300 calories per serving
Macronutrients:
- Protein: Approximately 12 – 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25 – 30g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 3 – 4g
- Sugars: Approximately 3 – 5g
- Fat: Approximately 12 – 15g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 6 – 8g
Micronutrients:
- Calcium: Approximately 150 – 200mg (varies based on cheese and other ingredients)
- Iron: Approximately 2 – 3mg
- Sodium: Approximately 400 – 500mg (varies based on ingredients and seasoning)
Vitamins:
- Vitamin A: Approximately 10 – 15% of daily recommended intake
- Vitamin C: Approximately 20 – 25% of daily recommended intake
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I make this casserole in advance?
You can make the casserole ahead of time. After arranging the layers, wrap the baking dish in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Bake as instructed and preheat the oven when you’re ready to serve. Given that the casserole will be cold, you may need to slightly prolong the baking time.
Q2: Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Definitely! Despite the fact that the recipe calls for either beef or turkey, you can also use ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Q3: How spicy is the dish?
The salsa you use and whether or not you add jalapenos will determine how spicy the casserole is. Choose a mild salsa if you want a milder dish and think about leaving the jalapenos out.
Q4: Can I use a gluten-free flour for the cornbread layer?
You may make the cornbread layer gluten-free by substituting a gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour. Just make sure the blend you select is appropriate for baking.
Q5:Can I include additional vegetables in the filling?
Definitely! By including veggies like zucchini, corn, or spinach, you can alter the filling. Just be aware of the cooking times and make adjustments as necessary.
Q6: Can I make a vegetarian version of this casserole?
A vegetarian version can be made by leaving out the ground meat and substituting plant-based proteins such tofu, tempeh, or crumbled meatless crumbles.Q7: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftover casserole slices can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bags after carefully wrapping them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Prior to reheating, thaw in the refrigerator.
Q8: Can I serve this casserole for a party or gathering?
Definitely! For gatherings, the Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a great entrée. It’s a practical choice for feeding a crowd because it’s flavorful, robust, and can be made in advance.
