Mexican Beef Taco and Cornbread Pie

Yield: 6 servings

I was in the mood for tacos, but wanted to try something a bit different.  This is an easy, comfort supper that will give you a “taco fix”!  What could be better than layers of beef, beans, and corn topped with a green chili and cheese cornbread?  It’s sort of like a Mexican shepherd’s pie.  I used my 12-inch cast iron skillet for a truly one pot meal.

Ingredients

·        1 pound ground beef

·        2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

·        1 medium onion, chopped

·        1 package taco seasoning (I only used ½ the packet)

·        1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained

·        1 (15-oz.) can chili seasoned black beans, undrained

·        1 (15-oz) corn niblets, drained  

·         1 package cornbread mix, plus ingredients to prepare as directed (I used Fleishmann’s Simply Homemade Cornbread mix)

·        1 cup shredded Mexican cheese

·        1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilis

Directions

1.     Preheat oven to 350°F.  Add olive oil to your cast iron skillet OR lightly grease or spray an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2.    Place your large skillet over medium heat and add onions and ground beef.  Cook until beef is well browned.  Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beans, and corn. Cook for 5 minutes on low until thickened.  (If you’re using a separate baking dish, transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.)

3.    Prepare cornbread batter according to package directions, stirring in cheddar cheese and green chilis until just combined. Spread batter over beef mixture, smoothing to edges of dish. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until cornbread is golden brown and tests done with a toothpick. Serve with sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, black olives, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, or guacamole.

 Notes:  You can adjust the spiciness to your taste; I used mild taco seasoning and mild chili beans. You can use your own home made cornbread or a mix; Fleishmann's has a new cornbread mix and it's excellent.