Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (90% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Brown ground meat in the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  4. Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt for the topping.
  6. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and oil; combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  7. Spread the meat filling evenly in the baking dish.
  8. Carefully pour cornbread batter over the filling, spreading to cover.
  9. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.