Oh, honey, let’s talk about the evenings when the thought of cooking feels heavier than the laundry pile. We all have those nights, right? When I need something hearty, something that tastes like comfort food, but I need it on the table in under an hour, I reach for this recipe. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the ultimate, hearty, and simple Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Seriously, it uses things you probably already have sitting in your pantry right now, and my family absolutely devours it every single time. It’s my secret weapon against takeout menus!
Why You Need This Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Listen, this isn’t some fussy recipe that dirtys every single bowl in your kitchen. When you need dinner fast and happy, this is what you turn to. It’s truly dependable!
- It’s a true pantry powerhouse; most ingredients are ready to go right now!
- Cleanup is a dream because it all bakes together in one dish.
- The kids actually clean their plates—and that’s worth everything, isn’t it?
- It’s savory, cheesy, and that cornbread topping gets perfectly golden in the oven.
If you want more no-fuss bakes in your life, you should absolutely check out my thoughts on casserole magic. But truly, this beef version is a weeknight lifesaver.
Gathering Ingredients for the Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
The best part about calling this the Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole Recipe is how little you actually have to gather! You’re not running out to the store at 6 PM, trust me. You’re reaching into the fridge and pulling out staple ingredients you likely already have for a quick dinner.
Here is the lineup. Make sure you have everything ready before you turn on the stove—it moves fast once you start cooking the beef!
- One full pound of regular ground beef—get the kind that browns nicely.
- One 15-ounce can of corn, make sure you drain that water out completely!
- A can of creamed corn, that 14.75-ounce size is perfect for the binder.
- One cup of good sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, and we’ll split this.
- One standard box of that wonderful Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix—you know the one!
- One lonely egg for the cornbread batter.
- And just 1/3 cup of milk to wake up that cornbread mix.
It’s such a straightforward list, which is why it’s my go-to. If you are looking for other comfort food recipes that use inexpensive pantry staples like ground beef, check out my favorite ground beef and potatoes comfort recipe!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
We’re not just throwing things in a pan here; we’re making sure this casserole sings! Even simple recipes benefit from a few little tricks to elevate the flavor profile. My biggest rule is always to drain that beef really well. If you leave too much grease in there, the cornbread layer on top gets soggy, and we want a nice, sturdy crust, don’t we?
I found that if you want to add a bit of savory depth without changing the texture much, sautéing a half cup of diced onion while you brown the beef works wonders. It brings that warmth right into the base layer.
Ingredient Notes and Flavor Variations for Your Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Let’s talk about the fun part—customizing! If you like a little kick to cut through all that cheesy goodness, mix about a quarter cup of mild salsa right into that beef and corn mixture. That little bit of tang from the tomatoes and spice is incredible. It really wakes up the standard flavors in the best way.
Now, about the Jiffy mix—it comes in a box for a reason! It’s super easy, but always look at the box for the specific instructions, usually just egg and milk. Don’t try to substitute the milk for water or anything else bizarre; the fat content in the milk helps the cornbread brown up nicely. If you’re curious about other wonderful, homey cornbread techniques, you might enjoy my notes on making Amish sour cream cornbread, which is decadent in a totally different way!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Okay, now that we have all our ingredients lined up, let’s get this amazing comfort food into the oven! This recipe is so satisfying because the cooking process is totally hands-off once you get things layered. First things first: heat up that oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to grease your 9×9 baking dish—I like to use a light coat of cooking spray, but butter works just fine too.
If you want to see a similar, super easy concept for throwing everything into one pot, check out my thoughts on savory hobo casserole, but honestly, this one bakes up nicer!
Preparing the Base Layer of the Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Grab your skillet and get that ground beef cooking over medium heat. Break it up nicely—you don’t want big clumps, we want it crumbly. Once it’s beautifully browned, you absolutely must drain off all that grease into a disposable container. Don’t just pour it down the sink, please!
Now, take that drained beef and toss it into a big bowl. Add your can of drained corn and your can of creamed corn. Stir that all up until it looks a little messy and delicious. Take half of your shredded cheddar cheese—so about half a cup—and mix it right in there. Then, dollop this entire savory mixture into your greased 9×9 dish and use a spatula to spread it out so it covers the bottom evenly. That’s your foundation!
Mixing and Assembling the Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Time for the topping! In a separate bowl, you’re going to whip up that Jiffy cornbread batter. This is where you follow the box directions exactly—which usually means whisking the mix together with the egg and milk until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix it, or your cornbread will be tough!
Carefully pour this yellow batter right over the top of your beef and corn layer. Try to cover every bit of the meat mixture. Once it’s spread smooth, sprinkle the rest of your cheese—that final half cup—right over the top of the wet batter. This is what creates that perfect cheesy crust when it bakes up golden brown. Pop that dish into your preheated 400-degree oven!
Baking and Serving Suggestions for Your Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Now for the waiting game, which is the hardest part! Pop that beauty into your hot 400-degree oven. You’re looking for that cornbread top to turn a glorious golden brown color. Most of the time, this takes between 25 to 30 minutes. Don’t just go by the clock, though; always test it!
Stick a toothpick right into the center of the cornbread layer, making sure you don’t hit the beefy bottom layer with it. If it comes out clean, you are done! If it comes out wet, give it five more minutes and test again. Once it’s out, here is one rule you can’t skip: you need to let it rest for about five minutes on the counter. Trust me, cutting into it right away will make everything run together.
When you serve it up, this casserole is mighty satisfying on its own, packed with protein and corn. But oh my gosh, a big dollop of cool sour cream on top makes it heavenly. Or, if you want something green next to the richness, a very simple side salad dressed with just vinegar and oil is perfect. If you love cozy sides, you should look at how I make my creamy broccoli cheddar soup—it pairs so well with a slice of this cornbread casserole!
Storage and Reheating the Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Okay, so you made too much (which, honestly, is the sign of a great recipe!). Don’t sweat leftovers; they are just as good the next day, maybe even better once the flavors settle.
Once the casserole has completely cooled down, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can store leftovers right in the fridge for three to four days. Keeping it covered is important so that cornbread topping doesn’t dry out!
When you are ready to eat those tasty squares, you have two options for reheating. For the best texture, I always cover the dish with foil and reheat slices in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through. If you’re in a super huge rush, the microwave works fine, but just heat it in shorter bursts so the cornbread doesn’t get tough or chewy. That’s it—easy cleanup *and* easy leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
I always get so many questions about this casserole because it’s just so dependable! People want to know how to switch things up or if they can prep it early. I’ve gathered the most common things folks ask me about making this Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole Recipe just perfect for their families.
Can I use regular corn muffin mix for the Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole?
Yes, absolutely! The Jiffy box is what I call for because it’s so easy to grab, but if you only have a standard or larger box of corn muffin mix, you should check the package directions for the wet ingredients. Usually, they just require one egg and a little bit of milk, just like the standard Jiffy version. The texture might be *slightly* different, but trust me, it still works beautifully over that savory beef base.
Can I add beans or extra vegetables to the beef layer?
Oh, you definitely can turn this into a one-dish meal powerhouse! A can of black beans (rinsed well!) or even a cup of frozen mixed veggies works great mixed right in with the ground beef and canned corn. If you add too much liquidy stuff, though, make sure you drain the ground beef extra thoroughly, or your cornbread might get a little heavy. They are excellent additions if you want more fiber, too!
What cheese works best besides cheddar for this beef casserole?
Cheddar is my first love for this because it melts so beautifully and has that great nutty flavor, but don’t be afraid to get adventurous! Colby Jack is fantastic because it melts creamy, and if you want a sharper bite, mix your cheddar with some Monterey Jack. Honestly, even a little bit of Pepper Jack sprinkled on top adds a fun surprise! If you’re curious about other ways cheese can elevate simple meals, you must look at my notes on the irresistible bacon cheeseburger casserole.
Can I prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time for the Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole?
Yes, you totally can, and it makes busy weeknights even easier! Cook the ground beef, drain it, and mix it with your canned corn and half the cheese. Let that mixture cool completely, and then seal it tightly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, spread the cold beef layer into your greased dish, prepare the cornbread batter fresh, pour it over, and add the remaining cheese. You might need to add about five minutes to the baking time since the base is cold when it goes into the oven!
How do I keep the cornbread topping from sinking into the beef?
This is the key to a successful Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole! Make sure you drain that beef really, really well—grease is the enemy of a floating cornbread layer. Also, when you pour the batter over the beef mixture, pour it slowly and evenly over the entire surface. If you pour it all in one spot, it can weigh down that area and sink. Working slowly prevents it from going right through to the bottom!
Estimated Nutritional Information for One Serving
Now, I’m not a nutritionist, so please take these numbers with a grain of salt—literally and figuratively! This is just an estimate based on the ingredients I provided earlier, assuming six equal servings from this batch. We’re aiming for satisfaction here, not a strict diet plan, but it’s good to have a rough idea for the family!
For a single lovely serving of this Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole Recipe, you are likely looking at:
- Calories: Around 450
- Fat: Roughly 25 grams total
- Protein: A solid 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: About 35 grams
- Sodium: Around 650 mg (Canned goods always bump that up a bit!)
It’s amazing how much flavor we pack into those 450 calories, isn’t it? It’s honest, hearty American food!
Share Your Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole Experience
Whew, we made it! We tackled the easy prep, layered it perfectly, and now you have this beautiful, golden, cheesy, beefy creation coming out of your oven. I truly hope this Irresistible Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole becomes your go-to for those chaotic weeknights when you just need comfort food fast.
But I want to see it! Don’t keep all that cheesy goodness to yourself! When you make this, please snap a picture. I love seeing how everyone’s edges turn out golden brown. If you loved it—and honestly, how could you not—head down to the comments below and leave a rating for the recipe. Tell me what you thought, or if you added your own little twist!
Your feedback helps other busy cooks feel confident trying it out next time. If you have any questions that didn’t make it into the FAQ, fire them off. You can always reach out through my contact page if you need a quick chat about technique!
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Ground Beef Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple, hearty casserole combining ground beef, cheese, and Jiffy cornbread mix.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.75 ounces) creamed corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 box (8.5 ounces) Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine the browned ground beef, drained corn, creamed corn, and half of the shredded cheese. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to the Jiffy mix package directions, usually mixing the dry mix with the egg and milk.
- Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheese over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
- You can add 1/2 cup of diced onion with the ground beef for extra flavor.
- For a spicier version, mix 1/4 cup of mild salsa into the beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: ground beef, jiffy cornbread, casserole, easy dinner, beef casserole, cornbread mix