Last updated on August 16, 2025

Some recipes you stumble across in cookbooks. Others come from friends. But the ones that stick with you the most are often passed down through family — and this one comes straight from my mother-in-law, B. Hill’s original recipe for Mexican Cornbread.

This is not your typical cornbread. It’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor — the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something everyone talks about the next day. It’s perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or whenever you need a warm, comforting bite with a little Southwestern flair.

homemade Mexican cornbread casserole with ground beef, cheese, and green chiles – easy family recipe for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Quaker or Aunt Jemima Yellow Corn Meal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 lb. ground meat (browned with onions and drained)
  • 8 oz. sour cream
  • 8 oz. cream cheese (softened or in tub)
  • 1 cup American cheese (grated)
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 1/2 cup green chiles
  • 1 can cream-style corn
  • (Optional: chipped ham, crisp fried bacon, or other mix-ins)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, add the ingredients one at a time in the order listed, stirring to combine after each addition.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  4. Bake for 1 hour, or until golden brown and set in the center.
  5. Let cool slightly before serving — the cheese makes it gooey and delicious!

Why We Love This Recipe

This is comfort food at its best. The layers of cheese, green chiles, and cream-style corn give it richness, while the cornbread base keeps it hearty. What makes it really special is how customizable it is:

  • Add jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Stir in whole kernel corn for texture.
  • Swap the ground beef for chorizo, ham, or bacon for a smoky twist.

No matter how you make it, this dish has that “family recipe” magic — the kind you can serve again and again without anyone getting tired of it.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Mexican Cornbread with a fresh green salad, a bowl of chili, or even just a drizzle of hot sauce. It’s also one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

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