Beefy Beans and Cornbread Casserole

a hearty delicious casserole, I have left the jalapeno peppers as optional, I like to add them in

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef or 1  lb  bulk sausage meat
• 1  onion, chopped
• 1  green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 -2  jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
• 1 -2  tablespoon  fresh minced garlic
• 1  teaspoon seasoning salt (or use 1/2 teaspoon white salt or to taste)
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 (16 ounce) cans  baked beans
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (8 1/2ounce) package  corn muffin mix
• 1  cup  grated cheddar cheese or 1  cup mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Set oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease an 8 or 9-inch baking dish.
3. In a skillet cook the ground beef with onion, green bell pepper and jalapeno pepper (if using) until the meat is browned; drain fat.
4. Add in fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt or 1/2 teaspoon white salt or to taste and black pepper; cook stirring for about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in 2 cans of baked beans and tomato paste; stir until heated through and well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to prepared baking dish.
7. In a bowl prepare the muffin mix according to package directions, then spread evenly over the bean mixture.
8. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes.
9. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and return to oven for about 4-5 minutes to melt the cheese.