Mexican Beef and Beans with Cheddar Jack Dumplings

I guess I’ve been in a savory mood lately. I’m really enjoying some Mexican inspired meals and I’ve got one more to share with you fabulous foodies.

The inspiration for this one came from chicken and dumplings. That is a serious down home, comfort food recipe. I love it a bunch, especially in the wintertime. Oh who am I kidding? I would eat that stuff anytime. Lol!

I got to thinking about it today and I thought I’ll continue my savory trend and make this for dinner. We loved it! It was flavorful and the cheesy cornbread “dumplings” were magical! They added a pleasant taste and texture departure from typical dumplings. Yet, they really complimented the base of the entree, which had seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, pinto, beans, while kernel corn and tomatoes with green chilies.

Ingredients:

15.25 ounce can whole kernel corn

15.5 ounce can dark red kidney beans

15.5 ounce can pinto beans

10 ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies

1/2 cup diced red onions

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 pound ground beef

Dumplings:

1 cup yellow corn meal

1 cup all purpose flour

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 large egg

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup shredded colby jack cheese

1/8 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Spray a 13 x 9 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.

3. In a large bowl, mix the first 9 ingredients. Make sure to include the liquid from the cans. Pour into casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes.

4. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients (first 8 ingredients) for the dumplings. Stir until thoroughly mixed.

5. Add egg and oil and stir.

6. Add cheese and cilantro. Stir.

7. Add batter by large spoonfuls to the top of the casserole dish. Bake for 25-35 more minutes or until dumplings are slightly browned. Enjoy!

*You can serve this dish with additional shredded cheese and crema Mexicana. It’s delicious!