Dinner

Vintage Mexican Casserole Recipe

Name: Vintage Mexican Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 – 2 lbs ground chuck; 1 onion, chopped; 4 tbsp taco seasoning; 1 heaping tbsp minced garlic; 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis; 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with lime juice and cilantro; 4 oz shredded colby jack cheese; 8.5 oz box corn muffin mix; 2 eggs; ¼ cup sour cream; 15.25 oz can kernel corn, drained; 4 oz can mild diced green chilis; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Byrami Hayes January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Vintage Mexican Casserole is a comforting dish that combines flavorful seasoned ground beef with cheesy corn muffin topping. Perfect for a family dinner, it brings together bold Tex-Mex flavors in a satisfying baked casserole everyone will love.

A piece of layered casserole being lifted from a white baking dish. The top layer is golden and slightly crispy with visible corn kernels embedded within a creamy yellow mixture. Below this is a thick layer of cooked ground beef mixed with tomato sauce, showing a rich brown and red color. The slice reveals a clear division between the smooth, golden top and the darker, saucy meat layer underneath. A woman's hand with red-painted nails holds the utensil lifting the slice, all set against a white marbled kitchen background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 – 2 lbs ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
4 tbsp taco seasoning
1 heaping tbsp minced garlic
10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis
10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with lime juice and cilantro
4 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese
8.5 oz box corn muffin mix
2 eggs
¼ cup sour cream
15.25 oz can kernel corn, drained
4 oz can mild diced green chilis
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a cast iron skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add ground chuck, chopped onion, and taco seasoning. Break up the meat with a masher or spoon and cook until browned.
Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for a few more minutes. Add both cans of Rotel and cook for 5-7 minutes until about half the liquid evaporates.
Step 3: Mix in the shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted and combined. Remove from heat.
Step 4: In a large bowl or measuring cup, combine corn muffin mix, eggs, and sour cream. Stir until smooth, then fold in the drained corn.
Step 5: Transfer the beef mixture into a baking dish. Dollop the mild diced green chilis evenly over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Spoon the corn muffin batter in dollops over the cheese to cover the casserole.
Step 7: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 55 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is browned and the cornbread is set.
Step 8: Let the casserole cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or use hot diced green chilis instead of mild.
Substitute ground chuck with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent sticking during cooking.
Top with sliced green onions or fresh cilantro before serving for added freshness.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the cornbread topping may lose its texture.

How to Serve

A piece of cornbread casserole is being lifted from a white ceramic baking dish with colorful patterns along the rim. The casserole has two main layers: the top layer is golden and slightly crispy with visible corn kernels, showing a moist, yellow texture; the bottom layer is a rich, brown, cooked ground beef mixture with bits of red tomato and green pepper. The woman's hand holding the spoon has bright red nails and a gold bracelet. The dish sits on a woven mat against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.