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There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, hearty meal shared with loved ones. Cozy Family Turkey & Cheddar Cornbread captures that essence perfectly. With a savory turkey filling nestled beneath a golden, cheesy cornbread topping, this dish is designed to bring everyone together around the dinner table.

Family-Style Turkey & Cheddar Cornbread

Gather your loved ones for a cozy celebration with this delightful Turkey & Cheddar Cornbread thats perfect for spring brunch or family get-togethers. This easy weeknight dinner features a savory turkey filling topped with a golden, cheesy cornbread crust, making each bite comforting and satisfying. In just an hour, you can create a dish that's sure to impress everyone at the table. Try it tonight and save this recipe for future gatherings!
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Ingredients
  

For the Cornbread:

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup buttermilk (you can use regular milk as a substitute)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup canned corn, drained

For the Turkey Filling:

1 pound ground turkey

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup bell peppers, diced (you can use a mix of red and green for color)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.

    Prepare the Cornbread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just blended. Carefully fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and drained corn, ensuring an even distribution of the ingredients. Set the batter aside.

      Cook the Turkey Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground turkey. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Next, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened.

        Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Once heated through, remove from the heat.

          Combine and Bake: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the cornbread batter into the bottom of the dish, smoothing it out evenly. Spoon the turkey filling over this layer, followed by spreading the remaining cornbread batter on top as evenly as possible.

            Bake: Carefully place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The dish is ready when the top is a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

              Cool and Serve: Once baked, take the cornbread out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro to add a refreshing touch. Cut into squares and share family-style for a warm and cozy meal!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 6-8