When it comes to planning a delicious and satisfying dinner, Mexican cuisine always stands out with its bold flavors and diverse ingredients. One such mouth - watering dish is the corn muffin - topped beef casserole, and making it in individual portions is a brilliant idea that ensures everyone gets their fair share of this Mexican dinner recipe.

Let's start by gathering the necessary ingredients. For the beef part, you'll need lean ground beef. Lean ground beef is not only healthier but also provides a great base for the casserole. You'll also need onions, which add a sweet and savory flavor. Bell peppers, both red and green, bring a fresh and crunchy element, along with a pop of color to the dish. Canned tomatoes, whether diced or crushed, are essential for creating a rich and tangy sauce. Add some garlic for that extra depth of flavor. Mexican spices such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika are a must - have to give the beef mixture that authentic Mexican kick.

To make the corn muffin topping, you'll need cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, eggs, and melted butter. The combination of cornmeal and flour gives the muffins a wonderful texture - a bit of crunch from the cornmeal and a softness from the flour. The baking powder helps the muffins rise, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory beef mixture below.

Now, let's move on to the preparation process. First, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium - high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and sauté until they become tender and start to turn translucent. This usually takes about 5 - 7 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute or so until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook the beef until it's browned all over, making sure to drain any excess fat.

Once the beef is cooked, add the canned tomatoes, along with their juices, to the skillet. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 - 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce will thicken slightly during this time.

While the beef mixture is simmering, it's time to prepare the corn muffin batter. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to over - mix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins.

Now, it's time to assemble the individual casseroles. You can use small ramekins or muffin tins for this. Divide the beef mixture evenly among the ramekins or muffin cups. Then, spoon the corn muffin batter on top of the beef mixture. Make sure to spread it out evenly so that it covers the beef completely.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the ramekins or muffin tins in the oven and bake for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until the corn muffin topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean. The edges of the muffin may start to pull away from the sides of the ramekin or muffin cup when it's done.

Once the casseroles are baked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve these individual corn muffin - topped beef casseroles as is, or you can top them with some sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. They make a perfect dinner for a family gathering or a weeknight meal. The combination of the savory beef mixture and the sweet and fluffy corn muffin topping is simply irresistible.

These individual corn muffin - topped beef casseroles are not only delicious but also very versatile. You can customize the beef mixture by adding different vegetables or adjusting the spices according to your taste. You can also make a large batch of the beef mixture and the corn muffin batter in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Then, when you're ready to have dinner, just assemble the casseroles and bake them. It's a convenient and time - saving option for busy days.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a new and exciting dinner idea, these individual corn muffin - topped beef casseroles are definitely worth a try. They offer a unique twist on a classic Mexican dish and are sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table.