Fiesta-Ready Tex Mex Casserole Recipe For Family Dinner Fun

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this hearty Tex-Mex casserole recipe delivers excitement on every forkful.

Layers of bold flavors merge perfectly in this crowd-pleasing meal.

Spicy, cheesy, and packed with protein, the dish brings zesty southwestern comfort to your table.

Ground beef, peppers, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination that satisfies deep hunger.

Beans and corn add robust texture to each delicious bite.

The recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients everyone loves.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into a delectable fiesta that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a perfect lean protein substitute. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before mixing with other ingredients.

• Do I need to use a specific type of salsa?

Any salsa works great – mild, medium, or hot. Choose based on your family’s spice preference. Jarred or fresh salsa both work well in this recipe.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. The cornbread mix typically contains wheat flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cornbread mix or make your own from gluten-free cornmeal and flour.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to eat, add the cornbread topping and bake as directed. This makes meal prep super convenient.

Why Tex Mex Casserole Is Always a Hit

• This Tex Mex Casserole simplifies meal preparation by combining everything in a single dish, reducing cleanup and making cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.
• Flexible ingredients like ground beef, salsa, and cornbread mix allow you to swap components based on what's in your pantry, making it perfect for spontaneous cooking adventures.
• Packed with bold Tex Mex flavors and hearty ingredients, this casserole delivers a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table goes back for seconds.
• With straightforward steps and basic cooking techniques, even novice cooks can confidently prepare this delicious dish without feeling overwhelmed by complex instructions.

Tex Mex Casserole Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.
• Salsa: Adds zesty flavor and moisture to the beef mixture.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the overall flavor and provide texture to the dish.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to the casserole.

• Cumin, Salt: Spices that bring depth and seasoning to the beef mixture.
• Cornbread Mix: Creates a golden, fluffy topping that complements the savory beef base.

Cooking Tex Mex Casserole with Ease

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Fire up your oven to 400F, creating the perfect warm environment for your delicious casserole.

A properly heated oven ensures even cooking and that golden-brown perfection we all love.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Vegetables

Grab a large skillet and get ready to create magic.

• Diced onions
• Chopped green bell peppers

Season with cumin and salt while stirring.

Cook until the beef is completely browned and the onions become soft and translucent, releasing those mouthwatering aromas.

Step 3: Create the Savory Base

• Salsa
• Drained corn

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.

This allows all the flavors to dance and mingle beautifully.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole Foundation

Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 9×9 casserole dish.

Spread it evenly across the bottom, creating a delicious foundation for your casserole.

Step 5: Craft the Cornbread Topping

Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions.

Gently spread the batter over the beef mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.

This will create a golden, fluffy topping that complements the spicy base.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cornbread turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Cut into generous portions and serve hot.

This dish brings together the bold flavors of Tex Mex cuisine with the comfort of a homemade casserole.

Tips to Master Tex Mex Casserole

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your family's preference or dietary needs.
• Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• For extra moisture and flavor, mix in some shredded cheese or chopped jalapeños into the cornbread batter before spreading over the beef mixture.
• Top the finished casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add brightness and extra texture.

How to Store Tex Mex Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the casserole reaches 165°F internal temperature.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cornbread topping.

Tex Mex Casserole Pairings to Try

• Elevate Zesty Beverage Pairing: Margaritas perfectly complement the spicy Tex Mex Casserole, offering a refreshing citrus kick that balances the rich beef and cornbread flavors.
• Craft Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a bold Zinfandel or Malbec with robust red fruit notes that stand up to the hearty meat and spice profile of the casserole.
• Refresh with Mexican Beer Combo: Ice-cold Corona or Dos Equis provide a crisp, light counterpoint to the dense, savory casserole, cutting through the richness with their clean finish.
• Boost Side Salad Companion: Prepare a bright cilantro-lime salad with mixed greens to add freshness and acidity, creating a balanced meal that enhances the casserole's robust flavors.

Tex Mex Casserole Style Options

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cornbread mix and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced jalapeños, increase cumin, and mix in chipotle peppers to elevate the heat and create a more intense southwestern flavor experience.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cornbread topping with a cauliflower or cheese-based crust, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the casserole's comforting essence intact.

Tex Mex Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Tex Mex Casserole brings layers of zesty comfort straight from southwestern kitchens. Cheesy, hearty ingredients combine in a quick one-pan meal that delights your taste buds and satisfies hunger with bold flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) can corn, drained

Bread Mix:

• 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) cornbread mix

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, ensuring a consistent cooking environment for the entire dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onions and green bell peppers, incorporating cumin and salt until meat is completely cooked and vegetables are softened.
3. Add salsa and corn to the beef mixture, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together for approximately 10 minutes, creating a rich and flavorful base.
4. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 9×9 casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform layer.
5. Prepare the cornbread batter according to package instructions, ensuring a smooth and consistent mixture.
6. Carefully spread the cornbread batter over the beef layer, making sure to cover the entire surface completely and evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown cornbread topping and ensuring the casserole is heated thoroughly.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.
9. Serve warm, enjoying the harmonious blend of spicy beef, vegetables, and tender cornbread topping.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that keeps the protein and flavor intact.
• Add shredded cheese between the beef layer and cornbread topping for extra gooey richness that melts perfectly during baking.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream after baking to elevate the presentation and add fresh, zesty notes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg