Sizzling Cheesy Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Mexican cornbread casserole bursts with southwestern charm, turning mundane ingredients into a flavor-packed sensation.

Layers of richness unfold from simple kitchen staples, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Savory ground beef dances with sweet corn and fiery peppers, crafting a taste explosion that tantalizes every sense.

Gooey cheese cascades through each forkful, promising pure comfort and satisfaction.

This one-pan magic transforms weeknight meals from ordinary to extraordinary, blending hearty textures with bold spices.

Southern hospitality meets zesty excitement in a dish that speaks directly to hungry souls.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 8

Get These Ready for Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Ground Beef: Choose lean cut for less grease and cleaner flavor.
• Eggs: Fresh farm eggs work best for better binding.

• Cream-Style Corn: Select smooth, sweet variety for rich texture.
• Undrained Canned Corn: Look for crisp, bright kernels.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Opt for original blend for balanced heat and zest.

• Taco Seasoning: Pick low-sodium version for controlled saltiness.
• Salt: Use kosher salt for even distribution.
• Pepper: Freshly ground provides more intense flavor.
• Onion Powder: Select granulated type for smoother incorporation.

• Mexican Cheese Blend: Shredded varieties with multiple cheese types add complexity.

• Jiffy Cornbread Mix: Classic brand ensures consistent sweet cornbread texture.
• Milk: Whole milk creates richer, more tender cornbread.

Helpful Gear for Making Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Large Sauté Pan: Perfect for browning beef and mixing ingredients.
• Spatula: Essential for breaking down meat and stirring mixtures.
• Colander or Strainer: Helps drain excess grease from beef.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Great for whisking cornbread batter smoothly.
• Whisk: Creates lump-free cornbread mixture.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for layering and baking the casserole.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure spices precisely.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.
• Toothpick: Checks cornbread doneness.

Cooking Directions for Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Fire Up The Kitchen Oven

Warm your oven to a perfect 400°F, preparing for a tasty adventure that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Transform Ground Beef

Brown lean ground beef in a large pan, breaking it into delicious crumbles until fully cooked and sizzling.

• Build Flavor Explosion

Drain beef grease, then mix in corn kernels, creamy corn, and zesty Rotel tomatoes. Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and onion powder, stirring until ingredients create a mouthwatering harmony.

• Melt And Merge Cheese

Stir in shredded Mexican cheese blend, letting it melt and infuse the mixture with creamy goodness.

• Create Cornbread Blanket

Whisk Jiffy cornbread mix with eggs and milk until smooth, creating a silky batter that’ll crown your beef creation.

• Assemble Casserole Magic

Grease a baking dish, spread beef mixture evenly, then pour cornbread batter on top, covering completely.

• Bake And Finish

Slide into the oven for 20-25 minutes. When cornbread turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean, sprinkle extra cheese on top. Bake for another 4-5 minutes until cheese bubbles with excitement.

• Serve With Love

Let the casserole rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle. Slice and serve this comfort food masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Helpful Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Customize Corn Casserole: Make it Your Own Culinary Adventure
• Spice Level Control: Swap regular Rotel for hot or mild versions depending on your heat tolerance. Pro tip: add diced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Protein Power Switch: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or smoked gouda to transform the dish's character.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in chopped bell peppers, green onions, or diced zucchini for added nutrition and texture without compromising the casserole's deliciousness.

Pairing Ideas for Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of color and zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Pair with Cool Sides: Serve alongside a crisp sour cream or tangy guacamole to balance the warm, spicy casserole and add a creamy contrast.
• Create a Tex-Mex Feast: Complement the meal with a simple side salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or quick pickled jalapeños for an extra kick of southwestern excitement.
• Make It a Complete Meal: Add a refreshing corn salsa or quick pickled vegetables to round out the dinner and provide additional texture and brightness to the hearty casserole.

Make-Ahead Tips for Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole

• Maximize Meal Prep: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This strategy saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap the fully cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stash in the freezer for up to 3 months, creating an instant meal solution for busy days.
• Leftovers Love: Store remaining portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
• Smart Serving Tip: Cut portions before storing to make reheating and grabbing quick meals a total breeze. Pro move for meal preppers and busy home cooks who want delicious, ready-to-go meals!

Hearty Pioneer Woman Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pioneer woman mexican cornbread casserole delivers hearty southwestern comfort in one skillet. Layers of spicy ground beef, corn, and cheesy cornbread create a satisfying meal you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 17 oz Jiffy cornbread mix (2 boxes)
• 14.75 oz cream style corn
• 8.75 oz canned corn
• 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup (158 ml) milk
• 1 oz taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
2. Meat Foundation: In a robust skillet, sear ground beef over medium-high flame, fragmenting into delicate crumbles until no pink remains. Drain excess lipids meticulously.
3. Flavor Infusion: Introduce cream-style corn, whole kernel corn, and Rotel tomatoes into the beef terrain. Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, black pepper, and onion powder, stirring with precision to create a harmonious blend.
4. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes. Fold in Mexican cheese blend until completely melted, creating a luscious, cohesive filling.
5. Cornbread Topping: Whisk Jiffy cornbread mix with eggs and milk until achieving a velvety, uniform batter with zero lumps.
6. Assembly: Grease a 9×13-inch baking vessel. Spread the beef mixture evenly, then cascade the cornbread batter across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Baking Transformation: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking 17-20 minutes until the cornbread crown turns golden and a toothpick emerges clean.
8. Final Flourish: Sprinkle remaining cheese atop the almost-complete dish, returning to the oven for 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts into a tantalizing, bubbling blanket.
9. Serving Finale: Extract the casserole, allowing a brief resting period to stabilize layers and enhance serving integrity.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Brown ground beef thoroughly to eliminate any pink color, ensuring food safety and optimal texture.
• Seasoning Strategy: Mix taco seasoning evenly for balanced flavor throughout the entire dish, preventing bland or overly concentrated bites.
• Cornbread Consistency: Whisk batter until smooth to avoid lumps, creating a silky and uniform cornbread topping that bakes perfectly.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese in two stages for maximum flavor and visual appeal, allowing the first layer to meld with the beef and the second layer to create a golden, bubbly topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg