Meat and Corn Bread Squares

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef, ground pork, or bulk pork sausage*
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 16-ounce can tomatoes, cut up
• 1 4-ounce can diced green chili peppers, drained
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1 8 3/4-ounce can cream-style corn
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers (4 ounces)

Instructions

1. In a skillet cook meat till brown. Drain fat. Stir in cornstarch, onion, chili powder, and garlic salt.
2. Stir in undrained tomatoes and chili peppers. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly.
3. Combine flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. Combine eggs, corn, milk, and cooking oil; stir into dry ingredients. Add cheese. Stir just moistened.
4. Spread half of the batter into greased 9x9x2-inch baking pan. Spoon meat mixture atop. Top with remaining batter.
5. Bake in a 375° oven about 30 minutes or till golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into squares. If desired, serve with salsa.
6. *Note: If using sausage, omit garlic salt.