Corn protein fortified ground or comminuted meat products such as sausages or frankfurters are provided which exhibit enhanced cooking and organoleptic properties including water holding capacity, yield and lessened cooking loss, without adverse product flavor associated with soy or other plant proteins. In practice, aqueous preemulsions including particulate fat (e.g., lard) stabilized and enrobed by corn-derived protein are mixed with meat, formed and cooked to yield finished meat products. The most preferred source of corn protein is defatted corn germ protein flour, although traditional corn meal or defatted germ concentrates or isolates may be employed. Advantageously, the corn-derived protein flour is initially tempered and swelled in warm water, whereupon liquid fat is blended with the tempered material and emulsified. The preemulsions may then be added to a meat formulation such as a batter to give improved final products.