Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large cast-iron skillet for baking the cornbread.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
• Stir in the taco seasoning (or your homemade spice mix) and 1/4 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to blend and the sauce to thicken.
• Add 1/2 cup of salsa or diced tomatoes to the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cornbread Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
• Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of corn kernels to the batter, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Pour half of the cornbread batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom.
• Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture over the cornbread batter, spreading it evenly.
• Pour the remaining cornbread batter on top, carefully spreading it to cover the ground beef layer.

Step 5: Bake the Cornbread

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• If you want extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of cheese on top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

• Once the cornbread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco and diced tomatoes evenly over the top.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Step 7: Serve

• Slice the Mexican Cornbread with Ground Beef and Cheese into portions and serve warm.
• Top each serving with a generous dollop of sour cream for added richness and tang.