The Best Tex Mex Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner Fun

Creamy, cheesy comfort food meets zesty southwestern flair in this easy Tex-Mex casserole that promises to become a weeknight dinner champion.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with tangy salsa and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering dish that screams flavor.

Packed with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour, this casserole delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Each bite bursts with robust spices and hearty textures that dance across your palate.

The recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will devour.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this incredibly satisfying and foolproof casserole.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that brings the best of Tex Mex cuisine straight to your dinner table.

Reasons to Crave This Tex Mex Casserole

• This Tex-Mex casserole delivers hearty flavors perfect for busy weeknights with minimal kitchen effort.
• Easily adjust heat levels by adding hot sauce or selecting mild salsa, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and family members.
• Streamlines cooking process by combining protein, vegetables, and cornbread topping in a single dish, reducing cleanup and saving precious cooking time.
• Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, pantry staples, and boxed cornbread mix, creating a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

What You’ll Need for Tex Mex Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the Tex-Mex casserole.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add texture, sweetness, and depth of flavor to the beef mixture.

• Cumin, Salt: Warm spices that enhance the Tex-Mex profile and bring out the savory notes in the dish.

• Salsa, Corn: A zesty combination that adds moisture, tanginess, and a classic Tex-Mex touch to the casserole.

• Cornbread Mix: A convenient base that creates a golden, slightly sweet crust to top the beef mixture.
• Milk, Egg: Essential binding ingredients that help create a tender and moist cornbread topping.

• Hot Sauce: A spicy condiment that can be added for those who enjoy extra heat and flavor.

How to Cook an Easy Tex Mex Casserole

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook until it starts changing color.

Break up meat chunks using a wooden spatula while cooking.

Step 2: Add Vegetable Seasonings

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Cumin
• Salt

Continue cooking until beef turns completely brown and vegetables become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Salsa
• Corn

Allow mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes.

The liquid will slightly reduce, blending all flavors together.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 4: Prepare Casserole Dish

Transfer beef mixture into a 9×9 baking dish.

Spread evenly across the bottom, creating a uniform layer.

Step 5: Make Cornbread Topping

Prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions.

Typically this involves mixing with milk and egg.

Pour cornbread batter directly over beef mixture, spreading to cover completely.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place casserole in preheated oven at 400°F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until cornbread turns golden brown.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into center – it should come out clean.

Allow to cool briefly before serving.

Helpful Tips for Tex Mex Perfection

• Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the cornbread batter before baking for extra richness and a crispy golden crust.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Adjust heat levels by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa to match your personal spice preference and family's tolerance.
• Make the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate, then add cornbread topping just before baking to save precious weeknight cooking minutes.
• Toss in extra diced vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutritional value and sneak more veggies into your family's meal.

Store and Reheat Tex Mex the Easy Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole stays fresh and tasty.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, preserving the delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

Best Sides for Tex Mex Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Blend tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to complement the spicy Tex-Mex flavors, cutting through the richness of the beef and cornbread.
• Cool Down with Creamy Guacamole: Whip up fresh guacamole with ripe avocados, cilantro, and lime to provide a smooth, tangy side that balances the casserole's warmth.
• Serve with Crisp Coleslaw: Toss together a light, crunchy coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar to add refreshing contrast to the hearty, robust casserole.
• Splash with Mexican Beer: Grab a cold Corona or Dos Equis to enhance the dish's Tex-Mex spirit, its light, crisp taste perfectly offsetting the casserole's bold spices.

Fresh Takes on the Tex Mex Classic

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the hearty Tex-Mex flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure all other ingredients like salsa are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute cornbread topping with cauliflower rice or a cheese and egg mixture, creating a lighter base that keeps the spicy southwestern essence intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Select non-dairy milk for cornbread preparation and skip cheese toppings, using nutritional yeast for added flavor complexity while maintaining the casserole's rich texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this Tex-Mex Casserole unique?

Ground beef, salsa, corn, bell peppers, and cornbread mix create a hearty one-dish meal that blends classic Tex-Mex flavors with a comforting casserole style.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for ground beef. Just ensure you brown the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa you choose. Use mild salsa for a kid-friendly version or opt for medium or hot salsa if you enjoy more heat. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to increase the spiciness.

• What kitchen tools do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need a large skillet for browning meat, a 9×9 casserole dish, a spatula, measuring cups, and basic mixing tools. Most home cooks will have these items readily available.

Easy Tex Mex Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Crowd-pleasing Easy Tex Mex Casserole delivers a spicy southwestern flavor explosion packed with ground beef, cheese, and zesty seasonings. Hearty layers of tortillas, meat, and melted cheese create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
• 1 (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) can corn, drained
• 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) corn bread mix

Vegetables:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a scorching 400°F, ensuring optimal temperature for the upcoming culinary creation.

1. In a spacious skillet, transform ground beef over medium heat. Methodically fragment the meat while introducing diced onion, bell pepper, cumin, and salt. Continue cooking until beef achieves a rich brown color and vegetables soften—approximately 8-10 minutes, with onions turning translucent.

1. Incorporate salsa and corn into the skillet, allowing Tex-Mex flavors to harmonize. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, permitting liquid reduction and flavor integration. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.

1. Relocate the savory mixture into a 9×9 casserole dish, distributing evenly to create a uniform base for the upcoming cornbread topping.

1. Craft cornbread batter according to package instructions, typically involving milk and egg combination. Gently cascade the batter over the beef mixture, using a spatula to ensure complete coverage across the surface.

1. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until cornbread transforms into a golden masterpiece. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should emerge cleanly. Allow a brief resting period before serving to prevent scalding.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils to create a vegetarian version that’s packed with protein and flavor.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the cornbread before baking for an extra layer of gooey, melty goodness that takes the casserole to the next level.
• Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cornbread mix and double-checking that your salsa doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg