Meal In One Pan!

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

A hearty, flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground meat, tomatoes, beans, and corn, topped with easy cornbread for a comforting and convenient dinner option.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat
  • 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies, diced
  • 1 can Ranch Style beans
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 package or box of plain or Mexican cornbread mix

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended on the cornbread mix package.
  2. Brown the ground meat in a large skillet or pan; drain excess fat.
  3. Add the diced Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies, Ranch Style beans, and drained corn to the cooked meat.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it bubble for a few minutes.
  5. Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, then spread it over the meat mixture in the pan.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using seasoned ground meat or adding spices such as cumin or chili powder. You can substitute ground meat with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, use plain diced tomatoes instead of Ro-Tel. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add bell peppers or onions for extra texture and taste.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty one-pan meal is perfect as a standalone dish but pairs well with a simple side salad or tortilla chips for added crunch. For a refreshing drink, serve with John'S Margaritas to enhance the flavors of the meal. You can also top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for a creamy finish.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meal in a microwave-safe dish and cover it to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meal In One Pan! contains roughly 1111 calories, with 66g protein, 226g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (432% of the Daily Value), protein (131% of the Daily Value), and iron (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1079mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

1111 kcal 56% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 65.7g 100% DV
Total Fat 16.3g 21% DV
Carbs 226.1g 82% DV
Fiber 120.9g 100% DV
Sugar 20.3g 41% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1078.9mg 47% DV
Potassium 2596.9mg 55% DV
Cholesterol 2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.5mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 336.6mg 26% DV
Iron 19.7mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap out Ranch Style beans for black beans or pinto beans depending on your preference. Each type will add a different flavor and texture, so choose what you enjoy most. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, this one-pan meal freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply replace the ground meat with a plant-based protein like lentils or a meat substitute. Ensure the cornbread mix you use is also vegetarian-friendly. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious and filling meal while catering to vegetarian diets.

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).

Mexican recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →