Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This ground beef and cornbread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. It’s a wholesome combination of savory ground beef and sweet, crumbly cornbread, creating a satisfying and delicious dish the whole family will love. This recipe offers a simple, healthy meal, perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cornbread:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
Getting Started with the Ground Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), corn, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded beautifully.
Baking the Delicious Cornbread:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Bringing it all Together:
Once the cornbread is baked and slightly cooled, serve it alongside the hearty ground beef mixture. This combination of textures and flavors makes for a truly satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Results:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the ground beef, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
- If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, increase the sugar to 1/3 cup.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Cheesy Cornbread: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the cornbread batter.
- Spicy Ground Beef: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the ground beef mixture for extra heat.
- Mexican Ground Beef: Use taco seasoning instead of chili powder and cumin.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and quantities. However, this recipe generally provides a good source of protein and fiber.
This easy recipe for ground beef with cornbread offers a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for customization and experimentation, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. Enjoy!