Beefy Jalapeño Corn Bake

If you’re looking for a warm, cheesy, and slightly spicy comfort food that hits all the right notes, this Beefy Jalapeño Corn Bake is exactly what you need. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish packed with seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, melted cheese, and a touch of jalapeño heat — all baked together until bubbly and golden.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this hearty casserole combines savory beef, creamy corn, and zesty spice in one easy-to-make meal. It’s a dish that delivers layers of flavor and texture — and it’s guaranteed to become a favorite on your dinner table!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🔥 Spicy & cheesy: The jalapeños add a flavorful kick that pairs perfectly with melty cheese.
🥩 Hearty & filling: Ground beef makes it a satisfying main dish.
🌽 Sweet & savory balance: The natural sweetness of corn complements the spice beautifully.
🧀 One-pan wonder: Easy to prep, bake, and serve with minimal cleanup.
🍽️ Crowd-friendly: Great for family meals, parties, or potluck events.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Mixture

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Corn Bake Mixture

• 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (14.75 oz) creamed corn
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
• 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix (or homemade equivalent)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Extra sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream or salsa for serving

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How to Make Beefy Jalapeño Corn Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

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Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add the diced onion, garlic, and jalapeños to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another minute to blend the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

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Step 3: Combine the Corn Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, eggs, melted butter, ½ cup cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.

Add in the corn muffin mix, stirring just until combined — don’t overmix.

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Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Pour the corn mixture over the beef layer and smooth the top with a spatula.

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top for that gooey, cheesy finish.

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Step 5: Bake It!

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

If you’d like a crispier top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes (watch closely so it doesn’t burn).

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Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or extra jalapeño slices if desired.

Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy salsa for extra flavor!

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Tips for the Best Beefy Jalapeño Corn Bake

🌶️ Control the heat: For a mild bake, use just one jalapeño or remove the seeds. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or use pepper jack cheese.
🧀 Cheese it up: Use extra cheddar or even cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
🥩 Make it ahead: Prepare the layers in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready to serve.
🥣 Don’t overmix: The batter should be slightly lumpy — that keeps the texture tender and fluffy.
🍴 Add veggies: You can mix in diced red bell pepper, green chilies, or corn kernels for extra color and flavor.

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Variations to Try

🫘 Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the beef mixture.
🍗 Chicken Version: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef for a lighter twist.
🥓 Bacon Lover’s Bake: Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch.
🧄 Garlic Cream Bake: Mix roasted garlic into the corn batter for rich, savory depth.
🧀 Triple Cheese Delight: Combine cheddar, pepper jack, and mozzarella for an ultra-cheesy top layer.

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What to Serve with Beefy Jalapeño Corn Bake

This dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course, but it also works beautifully as a side dish. Here are some delicious pairings:

• A fresh garden salad with lime dressing
• Mexican rice or Spanish rice
• Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
• Tortilla chips and guacamole on the side
• A cold limeade, iced tea, or margarita to balance the spice

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Storage & Reheating

🧊 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until hot.
❄️ Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

(Values may vary depending on ingredients and cheese used.)

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Why You’ll Crave It Again and Again

This Beefy Jalapeño Corn Bake strikes the perfect balance between comforting and bold. The creamy, cheesy corn layer complements the spiced beef and jalapeño heat, creating a casserole that’s both cozy and exciting.

It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining. Plus, it’s simple — no fancy steps or ingredients, just pure, down-home flavor baked into every bite.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing something special to a potluck, this dish will disappear fast — so don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe!

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Final Thoughts

The Beefy Jalapeño Corn Bake is everything comfort food should be — creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor with a satisfying spicy kick. It’s easy to make, hearty enough for dinner, and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Try it once, and you’ll be hooked — this is comfort food with a kick that keeps everyone coming back for seconds! 🌽🔥🥩🧀

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