Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! This Jiffy Cornbread Hamburger Casserole is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delicious blend of savory ground beef, crunchy cornbread, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This easy recipe is a family favorite, guaranteed to please everyone at the table, even picky eaters! It’s a great example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a healthy and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 box (8.5 ounce) Jiffy corn muffin mix
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks for even browning.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the casserole.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and vegetables with the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato soup, water, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Layer and Bake: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Evenly spread the Jiffy corn muffin mix over the cheese layer. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the cornbread topping.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious and easy dinner!
Cooking Tips for the Best Jiffy Cornbread Hamburger Casserole:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little kick.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a casserole serving size of approximately 1/8 of the recipe and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This Jiffy Cornbread Hamburger Casserole is a fantastic quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights. It's a delicious and easy recipe that's sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal!