Street Corn Beef Casserole
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when classic comfort food meets the vibrant flavors of a Mexican street cart, this Mexican Street Corn Beef Casserole is the answer. I grew up in sunny Orlando, where family dinners were a lively mix of laughter, music, and the irresistible smell of sizzling beef and toasted corn. This recipe takes those same memories and transforms them into a bubbly, golden casserole packed with creamy corn, savory ground beef, and Cotija cheese. It’s cozy, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a fiesta right to your table.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
---|---|
Cook Time | 60 minutes |
Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Servings | 10 |
Difficulty | Easy |
Cuisine | Mexican-Inspired |
Best Season | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavor, less effort: You get the best of Mexican street corn with none of the fuss. Everything bakes in one dish for a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Family-approved: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, even picky eaters go back for seconds.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready.
- Crowd-sized comfort: Makes 10 servings, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy weekends.
- Flavor explosion: Cotija cheese, cumin, lime, and chili powder blend for that authentic Mexican street corn taste.
Mexican Street Corn Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Your favorite flavors of Mexican Street Corn captured in one easy, cheesy bake. This Mexican Street Corn Beef Casserole is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 pounds Certified Angus Beef® brand ground beef
- 2 (8.5 oz) boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 2 cans sweet corn, drained
- 1 tsp. lime juice
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, extra Cotija, sour cream, jalapeños, or hot sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
4. In a large bowl, combine corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, mayonnaise, sour cream, melted butter, Cotija cheese, cumin, chili powder, and lime juice. Stir until evenly blended.
5. Spread cooked beef evenly into the greased baking dish.
6. Pour the corn mixture on top and smooth with a spatula.
7. Bake for 60 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Serve warm and top with cilantro, Cotija cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Cornbread Mix.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef layer for extra spice.
Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Leftovers store beautifully for up to 4 days and reheat well in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked Casserole
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 pounds Certified Angus Beef® brand ground beef
- 2 (8.5 oz) boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 2 cans sweet corn, drained
- 1 tsp. lime juice
Optional Toppings: chopped cilantro, extra Cotija, sour cream, jalapeños, or hot sauce
Ingredient Tips Table
Ingredient | Tip |
---|---|
Ground beef | Use 80/20 for juicy flavor or leaner beef for lighter results. |
Jiffy corn muffin mix | Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with savory beef. |
Cotija cheese | Crumble just before mixing for the best texture and flavor. |
Sour cream | Adds tangy creaminess, balancing the rich beef. |
Butter | Unsalted lets you control salt levels. |
Cumin & chili powder | Give the casserole that smoky, street-style spice. |
Corn | Use sweet corn for the perfect contrast of flavors. |
Lime juice | A small splash brightens the whole dish. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add ground beef, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix the corn layer: In a large bowl, combine corn, corn muffin mix, mayonnaise, sour cream, melted butter, Cotija cheese, cumin, chili powder, and lime juice. Stir until evenly blended.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Pour the corn mixture on top, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then top with fresh cilantro, extra Cotija cheese, and your favorite toppings. Serve warm and enjoy that sweet, smoky aroma!
Helpful Tips
- To save time, cook the beef mixture ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For a gluten-free version, swap Jiffy for Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Cornbread Mix.
- Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Drain corn completely to prevent soggy cornbread.
- For extra golden color, brush the top with melted butter halfway through baking.
- Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before cutting so it holds its shape.
- Don’t skip the lime juice, it brightens the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Jalapeño Twist: Mix sliced jalapeños into the beef layer for added heat.
- Tex-Mex Casserole: Add black beans and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for a heartier dish.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with black beans and bell peppers for a meat-free meal.
- Elote-Inspired Bake: Top with extra Cotija and a sprinkle of Tajín seasoning after baking.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Assemble the casserole up to one day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. For freezer prep, wrap the unbaked casserole securely and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F for about 75–80 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices with a side of fresh salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and a drizzle of crema for that street-style flair.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a cold Mexican beer, a citrusy margarita, or sparkling water with lime. For sides, try roasted vegetables, pico de gallo, or guacamole and chips.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, it’s a lighter alternative that still pairs well with the creamy corn topping.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely, assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.
What if I don’t have Cotija cheese? Feta or Parmesan make great substitutes.
Can I make it spicier? Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch more chili powder.
How do I know when it’s done? The cornbread should be golden and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, kids love the sweet corn flavor and cheesy texture.
Can I double this recipe? Definitely, use two baking dishes or a large deep pan for crowds.
Nutrition Info
Serving Size | 1 serving |
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Calories | 480 kcal |
Protein | 26 g |
Carbohydrates | 32 g |
Fat | 28 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 8 g |
Cholesterol | 85 mg |
Sodium | 520 mg |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice. |
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Beef Casserole is comfort food with a fiesta twist. Each bite combines sweet corn, creamy cheese, and savory beef into a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Make it for your next gathering or family dinner and watch it disappear fast—because one helping is never enough.
Craving more flavors? Try our Mexican Street Corn Soup next.