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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, ensuring a consistent cooking environment for the entire dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 9×9 casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform layer.
- Prepare the cornbread batter according to package instructions, ensuring a smooth and consistent mixture.
- Carefully spread the cornbread batter over the beef layer, making sure to cover the entire surface completely and evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown cornbread topping and ensuring the casserole is heated thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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