Totally Texas Cornbread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful cornbread packed with jalapenos, cheese, and ground beef, perfect for a satisfying meal with a spicy kick and cheesy goodness.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 (8 oz.) can creamed corn
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 5 jalapeno peppers, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 pound cheese, grated
  • 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained

Instructions

  1. Stir together cornmeal, salt, and baking soda.
  2. Add buttermilk, eggs, creamed corn, chopped garlic, chopped jalapenos, and chopped onion; mix well.
  3. Stir in grated cheese.
  4. Grease a 9 x 12-inch pan and spread half of the batter evenly in the pan.
  5. Spread cooked and drained ground beef over the first layer of batter.
  6. Top with the remaining batter, spreading evenly.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
  8. Serve hot, ideally with a green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier cornbread, consider adding more jalapenos or even diced green chilies. You can substitute regular milk with sour milk or yogurt if you don't have buttermilk. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with black beans or a meat substitute. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to incorporate ingredients from other American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cornbread hot, ideally with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It's also delicious alongside Easy Sloppy Joes or a hearty soup. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the cornbread to cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave for about 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Totally Texas Cornbread contains roughly 370 calories, with 17g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1407mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).

370 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.7g 33% DV
Total Fat 20.1g 26% DV
Carbs 30.6g 11% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 3.3g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1406.5mg 61% DV
Potassium 356.7mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 57.4mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 48mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 123.4mg 9% DV
Iron 2.8mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg

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 cornbread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a good stir before baking. However, it's best to bake it fresh for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don't have jalapenos?

If you don't have jalapenos, you can substitute with other mild peppers like poblano or even bell peppers for a milder flavor. For heat, consider crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the batter.

How do I know when the cornbread is done?

The cornbread is done when it's golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last part of baking.

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).

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