Hot Mexican Cornbread And Meat
A hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired cornbread layered with seasoned meat, peppers, and cheese, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving comforting Southern flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb hamburger meat ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimento ⓘ
- 1 small bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 2 cups meal (cornmeal) ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute hamburger meat, chopped onion, pimento, and bell pepper until meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, chili powder, and sliced jalapeno peppers to the meat mixture. Stir to combine and cook briefly.
- Mix all cornbread ingredients together: meal, eggs, milk, sugar, salt, bell pepper, oil, and cheese.
- Grease a 9 x 12-inch baking pan and pour half of the cornbread batter into the bottom.
- Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the first layer of batter.
- Pour the remaining cornbread batter over the meat layer, smoothing the top.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey instead of hamburger meat. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno peppers or omit them altogether. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick. This recipe is versatile and pairs beautifully with Taco Salad(Quick And Easy!) for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cornbread and meat dish hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced avocado for an extra touch. It pairs well with a side of salsa or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Brunch Enchiladas or even as a filling for soft tortillas for a unique twist. Enjoy with your favorite hot sauce for an added kick!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it's tightly wrapped.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Mexican Cornbread And Meat contains roughly 1254 calories, with 13g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1669mg per serving (73% 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?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more jalapenos or incorporate a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the meat mixture. You can also top the finished dish with sliced fresh jalapenos or serve with a spicy salsa.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and cornbread batter a day ahead. Layer them in the baking pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).