Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of ground beef with the sweetness of cornbread, spiced up with jalapeños. This casserole is a fantastic fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and Southern-style cornbread, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound lean ground beef
2. 2 eggs
3. 1 can (14 oz) cream-style corn
4. 1 cup milk
5. ½ cup vegetable oil
6. 1 cup cornmeal
7. 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
8. 1-½ teaspoons baking powder
9. ¾ teaspoon salt
10. 4 cups (16 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
11. 1 medium onion, chopped
12. 4 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped

 

Preparation:

 

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink. Drain off the excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the cream-style corn, milk, and vegetable oil until well combined.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the corn mixture, stirring until just blended.

 

Step 5: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ground beef, half of the chopped onion, half of the chopped jalapeños, and 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese over the batter.

Step 6: Pour the remaining batter over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining beef, onion, jalapeños, and 2 cups of cheese.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the cornbread is cooked through and the top is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the Mexican Cornbread Casserole hot. It can be accompanied by a side of sour cream, salsa, or a simple green salad.

Tips:

1. You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeños.
2. For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef or substitute it with a plant-based meat alternative.
3. Add a can of drained black beans or corn to the beef layer for extra texture and flavor.
4. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 400-450 per serving.
• Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving.
• Sodium: Approximately 500-600 mg per serving, depending on the cheese and ground beef used.

Conclusion: Mexican Cornbread Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that's easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd. The combination of spicy jalapeños, savory ground beef, and sweet cornbread creates a wonderful balance of flavors. This casserole is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the year and is perfect for both casual and special occasions.