Hillbilly Meal
Hillbilly Meal is a hearty, comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and a savory mushroom gravy topped with a fluffy cornbread crust. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers warm flavors and a filling, satisfying experience in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; cook the chopped onions and celery until tender.
- Mix the mushroom soup, water, and mixed vegetables together in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add the cooked meat and vegetables to the baking dish and mix well.
- Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package directions.
- Pour the cornbread batter on top of the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Bake at 350°F until the bread is done and golden brown, about 40-45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce in the meat mixture. If you don't have mixed vegetables on hand, frozen or fresh vegetables can be substituted easily. To make this dish even heartier, you might add some cooked rice or use it as a base for a variation of Meat Loaf With Rice.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Hillbilly Meal is great served with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete dinner, pair it with a simple coleslaw or baked potatoes. This dish's comforting flavors also make it an excellent choice for family gatherings or potlucks, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hillbilly Meal contains roughly 246 calories, with 14g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1366mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer. Each type of meat will give the dish a slightly different flavor and texture, but it should work well with the other ingredients. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary.
What if I don't have Jiffy cornbread mix?
If you don't have Jiffy cornbread mix, you can make your own using flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and milk. There are many homemade cornbread recipes available online that can work just as well in this dish.
Can I freeze this Hillbilly Meal?
Yes, this dish freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).