Jean'S Mexican Corn Bread
A hearty Mexican-inspired cornbread layered with seasoned ground beef, onions, and cayenne pepper, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with greens and beans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a saute pan.
- Pour off excess fat.
- About 3 minutes before finishing, add and stir in slivered onions and chopped cayenne pepper.
- Add salt to taste.
- In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, whole kernel corn with juice, beaten eggs, and enough milk to reach a pourable consistency.
- Grease a well-seasoned iron skillet or bread pan.
- Pour half of the cornmeal mixture into the pan.
- Spoon the cooked beef mixture over the cornmeal layer.
- Gently pour the remaining cornmeal mixture over the beef layer.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Increase oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until golden and crusty.
- Serve hot with tamales, greens, or beans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more cayenne pepper or incorporating jalapeños into the beef mixture. If you don't have self-rising cornmeal, you can make your own by mixing regular cornmeal with baking powder and salt. This cornbread can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use; just reheat it in the oven when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Corn Bread pairs beautifully with tamales, greens, or beans, making it a perfect side dish for your next meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside the Black Bean Picadillo or Chili Tortilla Bake for a delicious Mexican-inspired feast. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top enhances the flavors further.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cornbread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap individual pieces in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave slices for about 30-45 seconds, but they may not retain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Mexican Corn Bread contains roughly 596 calories, with 26g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (177% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 595mg per serving (26% 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 instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just ensure that you season them properly to enhance the flavors. Each option will give a different twist to the dish while maintaining its delicious core.
What can I do if the cornbread is too dry?
If your cornbread turns out too dry, consider adding a little more milk to the mixture before baking next time. Additionally, serving it with a drizzle of melted butter or a side of salsa can help add moisture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with cooked black beans or crumbled tofu. Just sauté them with the onions and spices to infuse flavor. This way, you can enjoy the same hearty texture without the meat.
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).