This Mexican cornbread casserole is the definition of hearty, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy!
The trick to the best texture is using buttermilk in the cornbread—it keeps it moist and adds a slight tang that balances the richness.
I always mix in fresh jalapeños instead of canned for a brighter, fresher kick.
Ground beef and seasoned beans bring in just the right amount of heartiness, while melty cheese ties everything together.
If you want extra spice, a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne go a long way without overpowering everything.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 can Cream-Style Corn (15 oz.)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 Eggs
- 4 tbsp Butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 Onion (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Warm up a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
Break it into crumbles as it cooks until no pink remains, then drain excess grease.
Step 2:
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the chopped onion.
Add in the cream-style corn and chili powder, mixing well with the beef.
Cook until onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 3:
Prepare a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the beef mixture evenly.
Top the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4:
In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until everything is combined.
Step 5:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently.
Pour the batter over the beef and cheese layer, smoothing it out.
Step 6:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Always opt for fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially with the cheese and corn, to enhance the flavor of your casserole.
Preheating Is Important
Ensure your oven is completely preheated to 400°F before baking so that the casserole cooks evenly and the cornbread achieves the perfect texture.
Customize With Toppings
Feel free to customize with toppings like sour cream, diced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days, so you can enjoy them later!
Freeze for Later
You can freeze the casserole after baking by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil, preserving it for up to two months.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole
Crispy Fried Chicken
You can never go wrong with crispy fried chicken alongside your Mexican Cornbread Casserole.
The crunchy skin of the chicken pairs so well with the soft cornbread!
Use buttermilk to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Tangy Coleslaw
Add a refreshing touch to your meal with a tangy coleslaw.
The crisp vegetables and zesty dressing provide a contrast to the rich casserole flavors.
Coleslaw is simple to prepare in advance, making your meal stress-free.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables bring a smoky depth to your plate that complements the Tex-Mex flavors beautifully.
Consider using bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for fantastic vegetable medleys.
The grilling process brings out the natural sweetness!
Black Bean and Corn Salad
If you prefer something light and fresh, try a black bean and corn salad on the side.
This salad pairs beautifully with the casserole, offering lots of color and flavor.
The cilantro-lime dressing provides a lil’ punch!
Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Want to mix things up with a sweet twist?
Consider serving churros dipped in chocolate sauce as a dessert element.
The sweet and crunchy churros finish your meal on an exciting note!
This unexpected treat adds a fun element to the classic Mexican cornbread casserole dish.
Variations and Substitutions
Spice Level
You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences!
Feel free to add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
If you prefer a milder version, opt for mild green chilies instead.
Cheese Options
Switch up the cheese!
Try using Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack for a creamier texture.
Shredded cheddar can bring a sharp and classic taste to your casserole.
Ground Meat
The ground beef base can be switched with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Veggie enthusiasts might enjoy using crumbled tempeh or a mix of mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Corn Alternatives
Use fresh sweet corn if it’s in season for a burst of flavor.
Canned or frozen corn work well too if fresh isn’t available.
Additional Toppings
Top it off with your favorite condiments!
Sour cream and fresh salsa are fantastic choices.
For an added crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole
Letting the casserole cool entirely before storage is crucial for maintaining its deliciousness.
Once cooled, either cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for several days.
Refrigerating Tips
You should refrigerate the casserole in a container that seals well or wrap it snugly in plastic wrap.
Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for about five days.
Always label your containers with the date to help keep track of freshness.
Freezing for Longer Storage
If you want to freeze the casserole, first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
Frozen leftovers can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Make sure you thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Quick Storage Hacks
For individual portions, consider using zip-lock bags to streamline reheating and serving.
Lay the portions flat in the freezer to save space.
This method also helps for quick transfers to the fridge when you thaw them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Cornbread
You don’t want to end up with a dry casserole, so be mindful of the baking time.
I suggest keeping a close eye on the oven as the casserole finishes baking.
Once the cornbread is golden brown, it’s time to take it out!
Neglecting Seasoning
Adding enough seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the dish.
Be generous with spices and herbs to give your casserole a rich taste that pops.
It’s a good idea to taste as you cook to get the seasoning just right.
Skipping the Resting Time
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
This helps the flavors meld and also makes slicing easier.
Trust me; this waiting time will make a noticeable difference in the texture and taste!
Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 can Cream-Style Corn 15 oz.
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 Eggs
- 4 tbsp Butter melted
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 Onion chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Warm up a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
- Break it into crumbles as it cooks until no pink remains, then drain excess grease.
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in the chopped onion.
- Add in the cream-style corn and chili powder, mixing well with the beef.
- Cook until onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the beef mixture evenly.
- Top the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until everything is combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently.
- Pour the batter over the beef and cheese layer, smoothing it out.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.