1 lb. ground beef, browned
1/2 med. onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. oregano
1 cup mild salsa or 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce or Rotel tomatoes
1 can chili beans
1 tbsp. chili powder (or more, to taste)

Brown meat and onions, drain, add tomato sauce, beans, chili powder, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Add enough water so mixture is covered. Simmer 15-20 minutes. Pour into a 2 quart baking dish and top with cornbread batter.

Bake in 425° oven 25 minutes.

Corn Bread Batter:

1/2 c. cornmeal
1/2 c. flour
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. milk
2 tbsp. oil
1 egg
2 tbsp. jalapeno peppers (optional)
1/3 c. cheddar cheese in 1/2-inch cubes

Combine all ingredients for Corn Bread Batter. Use in above recipe.

For a variation, rings of jalapeno peppers (or chopped peppers) and cubes of cheddar cheese may be added to the corn bread batter.