I cheat. I brown 1 lb. ground beef, add 1 envelope of McCormick Chili spices or Chili-O, 1 cup water, 2 cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilis, 2 cans Bush Pinto Beans with jalapeno slices and as much water as you need to make it lukey (or as you call it, soupy). Simmer for 1/2 hour or so while the jalapeno cornbread is baking. YUMMO
Recipe is from Texas MIL who cheated also. lol We've been making this for eons and it's always a hit.