Description
A spicy and hearty casserole topped with sweet cornbread, perfect for a budget-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef or turkey
- 1 large Yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 15 ounces Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup Red enchilada sauce (For smooth, tangy heat.)
- 1 can Black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can Corn, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 small Jalapeño, chopped (Optional, for heat.)
- 1 large Red bell pepper, chopped (For color and crunch.)
- to taste Fresh cilantro or green onions, for topping
- 1 cup Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
- Cornbread topping (Jiffy mix or masa harina) (Use a boxed mix or prepare masa for a classic flavor.)
Instructions
Cook the Filling
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Sprinkle in salt and pepper.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, and toast them for a minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and enchilada sauce, then fold in black beans and corn.
- Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, tasting and adjusting salt as needed.
Make the Topping
- For Jiffy, follow the box instructions, then stir in a spoon of sour cream.
- For masa, whisk masa harina with warm chicken broth, baking powder, oil, and salt until smooth and thick.
Bake and Finish
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sprinkle cheese over the meat layer, then spoon the batter on top and spread gently.
- Bake until the top is set and golden, about 18 to 22 minutes.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Use a sturdy, oven-safe skillet for best results. For variations, consider adding diced zucchini or extra beans. Allow cooling before storing leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Main Course
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex