Craving a comforting yet exciting meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! This Mexican Cornbread with Hamburger Meat recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the sweetness of cornbread with the savory richness of seasoned ground beef. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, ideal for busy weeknights, and impressive enough for a casual weekend gathering. This recipe is a celebration of homemade cooking, showcasing simple ingredients transformed into a delicious dish. Get ready to experience a new favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Cornbread:
- 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Hamburger Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Get started with the Hamburger Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare the Cornbread:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, and egg.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Combine and Bake:
- Pour half of the cornbread batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the seasoned hamburger meat evenly over the cornbread batter.
- Pour the remaining cornbread batter over the meat, spreading it to cover evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve and Enjoy!
Let the cornbread cool slightly before cutting and serving. This hearty and flavorful Mexican cornbread is perfect on its own or paired with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Don't overmix the cornbread batter. Overmixing will result in a tough cornbread.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the hamburger meat.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the hamburger meat, such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
- If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, increase the sugar to ½ cup.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread before baking.
- Spicy Southwestern: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the hamburger meat for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked black beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 15-20g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Mexican Cornbread with Hamburger Meat recipe is a testament to easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Enjoy this versatile recipe and adapt it to your liking – the possibilities are endless!