One-Pan Mexican Cornbread

Delicious One-Pan Mexican Skillet Ground Beef and Cornbread Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Skillet Ground Beef and Cornbread recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this hearty meal brings together savory seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a golden, fluffy cornbread topping all cooked in a single pan. Inspired by the delightful recipes shared by Cooking with Honey on YouTube, this dish is guaranteed to become a new family favorite, leaving everyone satisfied and eager for more. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with incredible taste.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Cornbread Skillet

• Effortless One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to mountains of dishes! This entire meal comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Hearty & Wholesome: Loaded with lean ground beef, beans, corn, and a delicious cornbread topping, it’s a complete meal that will keep you full and energized.
• Bursting with Flavor: A blend of classic Mexican-inspired spices, zesty tomatoes, and a hint of green chilies creates a tantalizing taste experience.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the spices, vegetables, and cheese to suit your family’s preferences and spice tolerance.
• Family-Friendly: A universally loved combination of flavors ensures even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
• Quick to Prepare: From stove to oven, this meal can be on your table in under an hour, ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Your Skillet Ground Beef and Cornbread

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable skillet meal. We’ll be dividing them into two main categories: the savory ground beef base and the delightful cornbread topping. Feel free to use store-bought pre-chopped ingredients to save time, or go fresh for maximum flavor!

For the Savory Ground Beef Base:

• 1-1.5 pounds (approx. 450-680g) of ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for flavor, or lean for less fat)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) sweet corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 small can (4 oz / 113g) diced roasted green chilies (mild or medium, depending on preference)
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained (a bit of the juice adds flavor)

Essential Seasoning Blend for the Beef:

This blend provides the classic “taco-style” flavor profile, but don’t hesitate to adjust to your taste!

• 1-2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1-2 teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika adds an extra depth)
• 1-2 teaspoons chili powder
• ½-1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• ¼-½ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Fluffy Cornbread Topping:

Whether you opt for a convenient mix or prefer to bake from scratch, this cornbread is designed to be moist and flavorful.

• ½ cup (approx. 60g) yellow cornmeal (medium grind works best)
• ⅔ cup (approx. 85g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (ensures a good rise)
• ¼ cup (approx. 50g) granulated sugar (for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ⅓ cup (approx. 80ml) milk (whole or 2% recommended)
• 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• ¼ cup (approx. 30g) shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp, your choice)
• ½ can (approx. 7.5 oz / 215g) creamed corn (adds moisture and corn flavor)
• Optional: A sprinkle of pepper jack cheese (or extra cheddar) for topping the beef mixture before adding cornbread.

Step-by-Step Directions for Your Skillet Ground Beef and Cornbread

Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping meal that’s as delicious as it is easy. Get your favorite oven-safe skillet ready!

Step 1: Preparing the Hearty Ground Beef Base

The foundation of this dish is a rich and flavorful ground beef mixture. This step ensures all the savory components are perfectly cooked and seasoned before the cornbread is added.

1. Preheat Skillet: Place a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed, 10-12 inches) on your stove over medium to medium-high heat. Allow it to heat thoroughly for a couple of minutes.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. This typically takes 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess fat from the pan. This prevents the dish from becoming greasy and ensures a better texture. You can tilt the skillet and spoon out the fat, or use a paper towel to blot it up.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Return the skillet to the heat. Add the finely diced onion to the browned beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
5. Add Garlic and Canned Goods: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Immediately add the drained corn, rinsed and drained beans, diced roasted green chilies (including any liquid for extra flavor), and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained, to incorporate their juice into the mixture).
6. Combine and Season: Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Now, it’s time to bring on the flavor! Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Start with the lower recommended amounts and add more to taste. Feel free to use your favorite taco seasoning blend if you prefer.
7. Simmer and Flatten: Stir the beef mixture thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly. Allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Once combined, flatten the mixture out into an even layer across the bottom of the skillet. Turn off the heat on the stove, as the skillet will now go into the oven.

Step 2: Preparing and Baking the Golden Cornbread Topping

The cornbread topping is what elevates this dish from a simple skillet meal to a true comfort food masterpiece. It’s moist, slightly sweet, and perfectly complements the savory base.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for the cornbread to cook evenly and achieve a beautiful golden crust.
2. Prepare Cornbread Batter (from scratch): In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the vegetable oil, lightly beaten egg, creamed corn, and milk. Mix everything together with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and can help keep the cornbread tender. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher texture.
4. Fold in Flavorful Add-ins: Gently fold in the finely diced jalapeño (remember to deseed it for milder heat) and the shredded cheddar cheese. These additions add a fantastic textural contrast and a subtle kick to the cornbread.
5. Layer and Top: Before pouring the cornbread batter, you might want to sprinkle a bit of extra shredded cheese, like pepper jack or more cheddar, over the flattened beef mixture in the skillet. This adds an extra layer of cheesiness right beneath the cornbread. Carefully pour the prepared cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to gently spread it out to the edges, creating a nice, even layer.
6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top, firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.
7. Rest and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the cornbread to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Skillet Ground Beef and Cornbread

• Choose Your Skillet Wisely: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it retains heat exceptionally well and transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven. If you don’t have one, any oven-safe heavy-bottomed skillet will work.
• Don’t Skip Draining the Fat: Excess grease can make your beef mixture watery and less appealing. Take the extra minute to properly drain the fat after browning.
• Mind the Overmixing: For tender cornbread, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough, dry texture. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable.
• Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeño to your preference. For more heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For less heat, omit the jalapeño entirely.
• Check for Doneness: The cornbread is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of beans (kidney beans, cannellini beans) or add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to the beef mixture.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This Mexican skillet ground beef and cornbread is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even better:

• Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers, a handful of spinach, or some shredded carrots into the beef mixture for added nutrients and color.
• Cheesy Delights: Try different cheese combinations in the cornbread or sprinkled on top, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend.
• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes.
• Serving Suggestions:
  • Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocado.
  • Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo.
  • A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing side.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this skillet meal are just as delicious, if not more so! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave, or place the entire skillet (if cast iron) back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the cornbread from drying out.

This Skillet Ground Beef and Cornbread recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create an extraordinary meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty, flavorful, and easy to clean up. We hope you enjoy preparing and sharing this wonderful dish with your family and friends!

*All image credit belongs to Cooking with Honey via YouTube. Follow and subscribe to her channel for more delicious recipes!