Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying side dish or even a hearty main course that's quick to make? Then look no further! This Mexican cornbread recipe with meat is a fantastic twist on the classic, bringing together the comforting texture of cornbread with the savory depth of seasoned ground beef. It's perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a flavorful and easy-to-make dish. This recipe offers a healthy balance of flavors and textures, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can of corn, drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the drained corn and undrained diced green chilies. Set aside.
Step 2: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and beaten egg.
Step 3: Bringing it All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Gently fold in the meat mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Baking the Cornbread
Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Let the cornbread cool slightly before cutting and serving. This Mexican cornbread with meat is delicious on its own or paired with your favorite chili, soup, or salad.
Tips for the Best Mexican Cornbread:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cornbread. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables will enhance the flavor of your cornbread.
- Grease the pan well: This will prevent the cornbread from sticking.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to ensure the cornbread is fully baked.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra heat.
- Cheese please!: Stir in ½ to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked black beans or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate for one serving of this Mexican cornbread with meat would contain approximately:
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 15-18g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
Enjoy this easy, delicious, and satisfying Mexican cornbread recipe! It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!