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mexicali spoon bread casserole

(18 RATINGS)
2.10K Pinches 10 Photos
CooksWithSpice avatar
Denison, IA
Updated on Oct 10, 2025

I have a weakness for Mexican food. So when I tasted this, I had to have the recipe. It's a fun alternative to the more traditional fare. The cayenne gives it a great kick.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This hearty spoon bread casserole will be a hit with your family. It's filled with Southwest flavors. The savory base of seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, black olives, corn, and spices like chili powder and cayenne simmers in a tomato sauce. It's topped with a cheesy, golden brown cornmeal crust. A comforting weeknight meal. If you're not a fan of heat, reduce the spices. It will still be delicious.

— The Test Kitchen
prep time 30 Min
cook time 40 Min
method Bake
yield 8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 can corn, undrained (15.25 oz)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup ripe olives, sliced
  • TOPPING INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

How To Make mexicali spoon bread casserole

  • Brown ground beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic.
    Step 1
    Heat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large skillet, cook and stir the meat, onion, green pepper, and garlic until the onion is tender and the meat is browned. Drain off the excess fat.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, corn, salt, chili powder, cayenne, pepper, and olives.
    Step 2
    Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained corn, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, chili powder, cayenne, pepper, and olives. Heat to boiling. Then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, while preparing the cornmeal topping.
  • Combine milk, cornmeal, salt, cheese, and eggs.
    Step 3
    Mix milk, cornmeal, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook and stir over medium heat just until the mixture boils. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese and eggs.
  • Pour meat mixture into a baking dish.
    Step 4
    Turn the hot meat mixture into an ungreased 2 1/2 to 3-quart casserole.
  • Pour cornmeal topping over the meat.
    Step 5
    Immediately pour the topping onto the meat mixture.
  • Bake for 40 minutes.
    Step 6
    Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the topping comes out clean, about 40 minutes.
  • Serve Mexicali Spoon Bread Casserole hot.
    Step 7
    Serve hot.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 319 kcal, carbohydrates: 22 g, cholesterol: 115 mg, fat: 13 g, fiber: 3 g, protein: 27 g, saturated fat: 6 g, sodium: 1219 mg, sugar: 5 g, unsaturated fat: 7 g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

Discover More

Category: Beef
Category: Casseroles
Culture: Mexican
Keyword: #Casserole
Keyword: #mexicali
Collection: Fiesta Time!
Ingredient: Beef
Method: Bake

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