Cheesy Mexican Beef Casserole
This Cheesy Mexican Beef Casserole is a mouthwatering blend of seasoned ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and sweet corn, all topped with a fluffy cornbread layer that bakes to golden perfection. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Serve it with a side of guacamole or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Your taste buds will thank you!
6
Servings
300
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (browned)
Taco Seasoning
1 (1.5 ounce) packet (mixed with beef)
Rotel Tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (drained)
Corn
1 (8.5 ounce) can (drained)
Cornbread Mix
1 (6.5 ounce) package (prepared according to package directions)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greased a shallow 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Set aside.
2
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it's fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to combine. Then add the drained Rotel tomatoes and the drained corn, stirring until heated through.
4
Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package directions. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture, smoothing the top gently.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this hearty, cheesy delight!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
25g
Carbs
16.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Mexican Beef Casserole?
It is a savory dish featuring seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and corn topped with a layer of fluffy cornbread.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include ground beef, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, canned corn, and cornbread mix.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to bake?
The casserole takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes in the oven until the cornbread is golden brown.
Do I need to drain the ground beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Should the Rotel tomatoes be drained?
Yes, the instructions specify that the Rotel tomatoes should be drained before being added to the mixture.
Do I need to drain the corn?
Yes, the canned corn should be drained before mixing it with the beef and tomatoes.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a shallow 2-quart baking dish for this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 16.7 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.
How do I know when the cornbread is done?
The cornbread is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the dish with cooking spray or oil to ensure the casserole does not stick.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, while the beef is already seasoned, adding shredded cheese into the beef mixture or on top of the cornbread is a great addition.
What side dishes go well with this?
This casserole pairs perfectly with guacamole or a fresh green salad.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild spice level from the Rotel and taco seasoning, but you can adjust this by choosing mild or hot versions of those ingredients.
How long should I let the casserole cool?
Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to help it set before slicing.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?
Yes, but you may want to add diced green chiles to mimic the specific flavor of Rotel.
What type of cornbread mix is used?
The recipe calls for one 6.5 ounce package of cornbread mix prepared according to package directions.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for family dinners.
Can I add beans to the beef mixture?
Yes, adding black beans or pinto beans is a common and delicious variation.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can brown the beef and mix it with the vegetables ahead of time, then add the fresh cornbread batter just before baking.
What kind of taco seasoning is used?
The recipe uses one 1.5 ounce packet of standard taco seasoning.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger 9x13 inch pan, though baking time may increase slightly.
What texture should the cornbread have?
The cornbread should be fluffy on the inside and golden and slightly crisp on the top.
Is this casserole considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty and cheesy nature.