Craving a comforting yet exciting meal that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Mexican cornbread with meat recipe is a delicious twist on a classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. It combines the familiar warmth of cornbread with the vibrant spices and savory goodness of Mexican cuisine. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning dish – a true celebration of homemade cooking and delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
For the Cornbread:
- 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and chorizo
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Meat Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This step is key to building delicious depth in your quick dinner idea.
Baking the 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, baking soda, salt, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- 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.
- Pour half of the cornbread batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the meat filling evenly over the cornbread batter.
- Pour the remaining cornbread batter over the meat filling.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese (optional).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a great healthy meal option, packed with flavor.
Tips for the Best Mexican Cornbread:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cornbread. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will give your cornbread a more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder cornbread, omit it altogether.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the meat filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Variations:
- Add different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat filling, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby.
- Add beans: For a heartier cornbread, add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans to the meat filling.
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 used. However, this recipe generally offers a good source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and relatively healthy meal.
This Mexican cornbread with meat is a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes that are both delicious and surprisingly quick to make. Enjoy!