Beefy Beans and Cornbread Casserole

• 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)
• 12-1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 (16 ounce) cans baked beans
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (8 1/2 ounce) package corn muffin mix
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese or 1 cup mozzarella cheese

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.

ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, pepper, garlic, salt, fresh ground black pepper, beans, tomato paste, cheddar cheese

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/beefy-beans-and-cornbread-casserole-285845 (may not work)