Meaty Corn Bread Casserole

We're still playing catch up from last week, but I thought I'd give you another Tummy Tempting Recipe. I hope you enjoy it, and I'll try to post some more thoughts later this week!

Meaty Corn Bread Casserole
This is a great all in one meal, and one of those yummy "comfort foods."

1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. bulk pork sausage
1 3/4 cups frozen corn, thawed
1 cup water
1 envelope brown gravy mix**
1 package (8.5 oz) corn bread/muffin mix
1 tablespoon real bacon bits
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 envelope country gravy mix**

In a large skillet, cook beef and sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the corn, water and brown gravy mix. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Spoon into a greased 8 in. square baking dish.

Prepare corn bread batter according to directions; stir in the bacon bits, pepper and garlic powder. Spread over meat mixture.

Bake, uncovered, at 400* for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into corn bread layer comes out clean. Meanwhile, prepare country gravy mix according to package directions; serve with casserole.

**I have made both the brown and white country gravy from scratch (instead of buying the packaged gravy) with this recipe, and it works well.