This Jiffy Cornbread Casserole features the hearty flavors of ground beef and onions, the tangy taste of tomato paste, and the comforting texture of cornbread and cheese for a satisfying weeknight meal. What’s best is that it can be ready in just 30 minutes!
Jiffy cornbread casserole is a savory dish that is essentially a rich, meaty mixture topped with a layer of cornbread and cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners since you only need common pantry staples to make a dish that’s packed with flavor.
When I stumbled onto this Jiffy cornbread casserole dish recipe from my grandma’s recipe box, the first thing that struck me was that she had handwritten on the card when she had served this to the family. I just love it. Because of that, I knew it would be a great recipe because it had been made multiple times.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Delicious: This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a cornbread casserole. If you’re a cornbread lover like me, you’ll appreciate the delicious twist this recipe brings to the dinner table. And so, give me all the cornbread casserole recipe ideas, and I will love them all.
Quick: Time is of the essence, especially on busy weeknights. This recipe is a lifesaver, as it can be made from start to finish in just about thirty minutes. Now, that’s a quick meal fix!
Versatile: This all-in-one casserole can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Whether you choose peas, green beans, or even a simple salad, this casserole complements them all.
Perfect for Holidays: This easy side dish recipe goes great with some Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas Ham. It has quickly become a holiday staple, like a classic green bean casserole!
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Key Ingredients
Ground beef: This forms the hearty, protein-packed layer of the casserole. It is browned to perfection and adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
Diced onion: It gives the recipe a touch of aromatic flavor. They blend well with the ground beef to create a tasty mixture.
Tomato paste: This ingredient thickens the ground beef mixture and provides a tangy, sweet, and slightly fruity flavor.
Water: Used to dilute the tomato paste and make it easier to mix into the ground beef.
Salt and pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Jiffy cornbread mix: This is the star ingredient that gives the casserole its unique, fluffy texture and sweet corn flavor. And yes, you can make your own homemade cornbread mix instead.
Egg: The eggs in this recipe help bind the cornbread mix, giving it a firm and moist texture.
Milk: This adds a creamy texture to the cornbread layer and helps to moisten the Jiffy mix.
Corn: Drained corn adds a sweet crunch to the recipe, complimenting the soft texture of the cornbread.
Cheddar cheese: This is generously sprinkled on top, melting into a deliciously gooey layer. It adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the casserole.
Equipment
Large Pan – A good-sized pan is necessary for browning the ground beef and onion, as well as simmering your tomato paste mixture.
Mixing Bowl – This will be used to combine the Jiffy cornbread mix, egg, milk, and corn. Look for a large mixing bowl to accommodate all your ingredients.
8×8 Baking Dish – This is where you will layer your meat mixture, cheddar cheese, and cornbread batter. Make sure to grease it well to prevent sticking.
Cheese Grater – If your cheddar cheese isn’t already shredded, you’ll need a grater. Freshly grated cheese often melts better and adds more flavor to your dish.
How to Make Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Preparations
Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F. Next, brown your ground beef and onion until they’re fully cooked, then drain the fat.
Step 1 – Season and Simmer the Beef Mixture
After the beef and onions are cooked, you’re going to add some flavor to the mix. Add tomato paste, water, salt, and pepper to your ground beef and onion mixture. Let it simmer for about two to three minutes, allowing the flavors to fully meld together.
Step 2 – Mix the Cornbread Batter
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cornbread mix, egg, milk, and corn. Stir it well until you have a smooth and consistent batter.
Step 3 – Layer Your Casserole
Now, it’s time to assemble your casserole. Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking dish and pour in your ground beef mixture. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar cheese over the beef. Then, cover the entire thing with your freshly made cornbread batter.
Step 4 – Bake the Casserole
Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about fifteen to twenty minutes. You’ll know it is done when the cornbread is fully cooked and has a golden-brown hue.
Your delicious Jiffy Cornbread Casserole is ready to serve! This makes a fantastic main dish or side dish for any holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving, and pairs perfectly with both chicken and turkey.
Expert Tips
Always Preheat the Oven: Preheating your oven to the right temperature before baking is essential. This guarantees that your jiffy cornbread casserole bakes evenly and achieves the perfect texture.
Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: The cheddar cheese adds a deliciously creamy and rich dimension to your casserole. Don’t be shy; generously sprinkle the cheese over your ground beef mixture before adding the cornbread batter.
Check for Doneness: The bake time can vary depending on your oven. To make sure that your cornbread is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready. It should also have a beautiful golden-brown color on top.
Let it Rest: After taking your casserole out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes cutting and serving easier.
Recipe Variations
Go Mexican: For a Mexican twist, add half a can of drained black beans, a can of green chilies, and a teaspoon of taco seasoning, and replace the cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese. This will give your casserole a delightful Mexican flavor, perfect for a themed dinner night.
Try it with chicken: For a poultry twist, replace the ground beef with shredded chicken. You can season the chicken with your favorite spices for added flavor. This variation is a great way to use up leftover turkey or chicken from your holiday meals.
Go meatless: If you want a vegetarian option, simply omit the ground beef mixture and add more veggies like green onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños. You can also add a can of black beans for additional protein.
Try some corn: For a delicious jiffy corn casserole recipe, add some corn kernels to this casserole dish before baking. It’ll add a delicious, sweet element to this incredible meal!
What to Serve With
- This Jiffy cornbread casserole also makes a perfect side dish for your holiday meal. Whether it is turkey or roast chicken, the rich and cheesy casserole compliments the meat’s flavor beautifully.
- For a lighter meal option, serve your Jiffy cornbread casserole with a side of kale salad. The freshness of the salad balances out the hearty casserole, making for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
- For a cozy dinner, pair your Jiffy cornbread casserole with a bowl of warm soup. The casserole’s creamed corn and cheddar cheese flavors blend perfectly with a tomato or chicken soup.
- Want a Mexican twist? Layer your casserole slice with some salsa, black beans, and a sprinkle of green onions. The vibrant flavors will make your meal exciting and delicious.
Recipe FAQs
Cornbread casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes. To guarantee a balanced meal, I recommend serving it with green veggies like peas or green beans. These light sides compliment the robust flavors of the casserole well.
Yes, any leftover cornbread casserole should be stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to place it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat and serve.
Absolutely! You can prepare the ground beef mixture and cornbread batter ahead of time. Before baking, just layer the ingredients in the baking dish and pop it in the oven. You will need to increase your baking time since the hamburger layer has cooled. It is a great time-saver, especially for busy weeknights.
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to add in ingredients like black beans, green chilies, or even jalapenos for a spicy kick. Just remember to adjust the baking time if necessary.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerate: After enjoying your hearty meal, you may have some leftover Jiffy cornbread casserole. To store it, simply place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The casserole will store well in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheat Instructions: When you’re ready for another serving, preheat your oven to around the same temperature you baked the casserole at. Place the leftovers in a baking dish or pan and reheat for about ten minutes or until the casserole is warmed through.
Freeze: Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the texture of the cornbread after thawing. The cheese in the recipe may separate or become grainy, affecting the overall flavor and texture of your dish.
More Casserole Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
What to Expect: This recipe makes one 8 x 8-inch jiffy cornbread casserole using one pound of ground beef, which is enough for six servings.
How to Scale: If you want to make more than one casserole, you can double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Make sure to use two 8 x 8 pans to bake the casseroles evenly.
Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Equipment
- 8×8 baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 Cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8.5 oz Jiffy cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 Cup milk
- 15.25 oz canned corn drained
- 1 1/2 Cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F. Brown the ground beef and onion together until the hamburger is fully cooked. Drain the fat.
- Add tomato paste, water, salt and pepper to ground beef and onion. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- While the hamburger sauce is simmering, combine cornbread mix, egg, milk and corn in a bowl.
- Grease a 8×8 baking pan and add the meat sauce mixture. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover with cornbread batter.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cornbread is fully cooked. A toothpick entered in the center of the cornbread should come out clean. If it does not, bake for an additional 5 minute increments until it does.
Comments & Reviews
Chrissy says
Do you think creamed corn in the mix will be just as good? I’m trying to avoid chunks for my son. 🙂 I figure it will be fine, but I’m excited to try this! Thanks for sharing!
Lynette says
I don’t see why not! This recipe is very adaptable. Enjoy!
Vincent says
A 15.25 Oz can of kernel corn. Under the layer of Jiffy cornbread. No need for any cheese. Mix in 1 TSP of chili powder in with hamburger as it’s cooking. 🙂
Jennifer Seaton says
It’s in the oven now. Your recipe says to add water, but your steps never stated where or when .. so I didnt add water (hope it still work out ok!)
I forgot to add the cheese under the corn bread mix, so at the 10 min cooking time I’ll stop and add cheese and cook for another 10 min.
The corn bread mix did not cover the entire beef mix, in the 8×8 pan. So I made another cornbread mix and transferred it to a bigger but disposable pan and lined it with parchment paper.
I will definitely have allot of microwaveable meals, as it is just me.
Meal is done and it looks delicious, I sure cant wait to taste it.
Total cook time was 25 minutes on 400°
Judy says
What size can of corn did you use?
Lynette says
Just regular kernel corn!
Nicole Stoudt says
Size of can?
Lynette says
You will need a 15.25 oz can of corn. I’ve updated the recipe to avoid confusion. 🙂
Vincent says
A 15.25 Oz can of kernel corn. Under the layer of Jiffy cornbread. No need for any cheese. Mix in 1 TSP of chili powder in with hamburger as it’s cooking. 🙂
Vincent says
Judy, I use a 15.25 is can of kernel corn. 🙂
Vincent says
Judy, I use a 15.25 is can of kernel corn. I also add an entire chopped onion, 1/TSP of chili powder and 1/4 C of catsup. Mixed in well with the hamburger. Drain off the excess grease. Top with the mixed up Jiff cornbread mix . Bake according to the directions on the box of Jiffy. Temp and length if time. Just delicious
🙂
Jane says
If you’re doubling the recipe, does it take 2 boxes of cornbread?
Lynette says
Yes, if doubling the recipe you will want to double all ingredients as well as the pan size. In this case, I would use a 9×13 if doubling.
NaImah says
Lynette~
I just made this dish…
I was lazy however, I used canned chili that I mixed with the ground beef, I added onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the chili.
I used Jiffy cornbread mix that I added frozen corn and grated cheese to the cornbread mix.
I baked it 20 minutes uncovered then I lightly covered it and baked it about 20 minutes more to make sure the cornbread was cooked thoroughly.
It was so so good.
Lynette says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it!!
Iris says
I added a can of rotel & it was delicious 😋
Sheila says
I made this tonight exactly as written. It was delicious and I will be adding it to my recipe collection. It has simple ingredients that I already had on hand, was not overly spicy, and was small enough for a family dinner. The only problem I had was cooking time. I had to add 10 extra minutes for the cornbread to bake completely. I love old recipes that have stood the test of time. I hope to try some of your other recipes.
Lynette says
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Katie says
What do you think about adding kidney beans to the meat so it’s more like a chili?
Lynette says
I think that would be really good in this recipe! I say, go for it! Let me know how it turns out.
Trapper says
l like beans – lots of different kinds , &, beef or venison browned in frying pan, a couple cans of diced tomatoes , a hand full of kernel corn , a package chilli mix, a few home grown peppers & onions & zowwwie u got ur chilli.. – u can add whatever makes ur taste buds drool… & a tin of jiffy corn bread… either on top of chilli or in the oven..cast iron or cooker pot…..
Lynette says
Thanks for sharing!!
Kathy Zodarecky says
We love this casserole. We added the corn to the meat by mistake the second time we made it and decided we like it better that way. We also add chili powder and such to spice it up a bit. Love it!! Thanks!
Lynette says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it and your happy mistake. 🙂
Carole says
This was great! I didn’t have a can of corn, so I thawed some frozen and I added a packet of taco seasoning to the meat for a little spice. My husband had 3 helpings.
Lynette says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!
Karen says
This was very good, and easy. Thanks for the recipe!
Lynette says
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Vanessa says
My mom made a version of this. I added a bit of chili powder and some peas. Its in the oven right now but I tasted the meat mixture before and its oh so good!
Lynette says
Awesome! It’s a keeper.