Cheesy Beef and Corn Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy cheese in a perfectly baked casserole. This easy-to-make meal is packed with flavor and ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to prepare with everyday ingredients
- A perfect combination of savory beef, sweet corn, and gooey cheese
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Customizable with different add-ins and toppings
- A satisfying dish that feeds the whole family
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Sweet corn (canned or frozen)
- Creamed corn
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Green chilies (optional)
- Taco seasoning or preferred spices
- Salt and pepper
- Cornbread mix
- Eggs
- Milk
- Butter
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish.
- Cook the beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chilies, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in corn (both sweet corn and creamed corn) and mix well. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the cornbread batter according to package instructions, combining cornbread mix, eggs, milk, and melted butter.
- Layer the casserole by spreading the beef mixture in the prepared dish, sprinkling shredded cheese on top, then pouring the cornbread batter evenly over the mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat.
- Different Cheese Options: Try using pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture and flavor.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions on top before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cornbread from getting soggy?
Ensure the beef mixture is not too watery before layering, and bake until the cornbread is fully set.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, fresh or frozen corn works well; just cook it slightly before adding it to the beef mixture.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a dollop of sour cream and guacamole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works just as well.
How do I make the casserole cheesier?
Add more shredded cheese between the layers or on top before baking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, but you can use a gluten-free cornbread mix to make it gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What other seasonings can I use?
Cumin, paprika, or chili powder add extra depth of flavor.
Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans make a great addition for added protein and texture.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef and Corn Casserole is an easy, flavorful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. With its hearty ingredients and cheesy goodness, it is a go-to meal for any occasion. Whether you customize it with different flavors or enjoy it as is, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description
A hearty Cheesy Beef and Corn Casserole loaded with ground beef, sweet corn, and melted cheese for the perfect comfort food dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed crackers for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in corn, sour cream, soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheddar cheese and crushed crackers.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Serve with a side of rice or salad.
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