Are you tired of complicated recipes with endless dishes to wash? Get ready to meet the ultimate weeknight dinner hero that combines the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the comfort of a hearty, cheesy cornbread! This Tex-Mex Skillet Supper is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will transform your dinner table from boring to absolutely spectacular in just 45 minutes. Imagine a single skillet packed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, zesty salsa, and a golden, cheesy cornbread topping that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure a 10-inch cast-iron skillet is ready for cooking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef, then add taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Add drained black beans and salsa to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, milk, and eggs until smooth and well-combined.
- Pour half of the cornmeal mixture over the beef and bean mixture in the skillet, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the cornmeal layer.
- Pour the remaining cornmeal mixture over the cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Cut into wedges and serve hot, garnishing with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or additional salsa if desired.
Tips
- Cast-Iron Skillet Magic: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best flavor and even cooking. If you don't have one, a heavy oven-safe skillet will work too.
- Meat Matters: For extra flavor, use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20), but be sure to drain excess fat to prevent a greasy dish.
- Customize Your Salsa: Choose a salsa that matches your spice preference - mild for kids, medium for a balanced kick, or hot for spice lovers.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese mix for added complexity.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a meat-free version.
- Topping Options: Enhance your skillet with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
- Leftover Love: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
