Jalapeno Corn Bread Casserole
A flavorful jalapeno corn bread casserole combining spicy peppers, cheesy layers, and savory ground beef, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a comforting, spicy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet; drain well.
- Mix cornmeal, salt, bacon drippings, corn and eggs together.
- Pour half of the corn bread mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Layer cooked beef, chopped onion, chopped jalapeno peppers, and grated Cheddar cheese over the batter.
- Cover with the remaining corn bread mixture.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 350°F until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more chopped jalapenos or using pickled jalapenos. If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can substitute the beef. You can also swap the Cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Experiment with adding corn kernels or diced bell peppers for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Jalapeno Corn Bread Casserole warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or can be enjoyed alongside Great Cream Cheese Dip(For Crackers And Vegetables) for a complete meal. This dish is also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, ensuring there's enough to share.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jalapeno Corn Bread Casserole contains roughly 581 calories, with 24g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1541mg per serving (67% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I use instead of bacon drippings?
If you don't have bacon drippings, you can use melted butter or olive oil as a substitute. Both will help add moisture to the cornmeal mixture without compromising the dish's flavor. Additionally, you could use a flavored oil for an extra dimension.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with black beans or lentils for protein. You can also add more chopped vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition, making it a hearty dish.
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).