Larry'S Country Cornbread
Larry's Country Cornbread combines savory ground beef, seasoned tomato rice, and melted Velveeta cheese layered over cornbread, creating a hearty, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion together in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Return the cooked beef and onion to the skillet.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, seasoned salt, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, cooked rice, and brown sugar to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 minute to combine flavors.
- Pour the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Top the mixture with slices of Velveeta cheese.
- Pour prepared cornbread batter over the cheese layer.
- Bake according to cornbread package directions until golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot, optionally with a salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or jalapeños into the beef mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice or even substitute with quinoa for a different texture. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, and if you love a hint of sweetness, feel free to increase the brown sugar slightly. This dish also works well with a variety of cheeses; try using sharp cheddar for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty cornbread casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of BBQ sauce for dipping or a dollop of sour cream on top. For a comforting touch, consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of Marietta'S Vegetable Beef Soup, which complements the flavors of this dish wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil to prevent drying out and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power until hot. This makes for a quick meal option later in the week.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Larry'S Country Cornbread contains roughly 442 calories, with 8g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2116mg per serving (92% 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! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as leaner meats may cook faster.
What can I add to the cornbread batter for extra flavor?
Incorporating ingredients like shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of herbs into the cornbread batter can elevate the flavor. You might also consider adding a bit of corn or diced green onions for a delicious twist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and rice mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the dish with the cornbread batter on the day you plan to bake it. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy weeknight dinner.
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).