Save A hearty, comforting pie featuring savory beef and vegetables beneath a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and is sure to satisfy everyone's cravings for classic homey flavors.
This cornbread crusted beef pie always takes me back to chilly evenings when everyone gathers around the table. The blend of tender beef and sweet cornbread remains a requested comfort meal, perfect for creating special family moments.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) 80/20 blend recommended
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Carrot: 1 medium, diced
- Frozen peas: 1/2 cup
- Frozen corn kernels: 1/2 cup
- Tomato paste: 1/4 cup
- Beef broth: 1 cup
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Yellow cornmeal: 1 cup (120 g)
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1 tbsp
- Baking powder: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (60 g), melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Cook Beef:
- Add ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Flavorings:
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
- Simmer Filling:
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, peas, and corn. Simmer 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a 9-inch (23 cm) deep-dish pie pan or baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter until combined. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just mixed (do not overmix).
- Top Pie:
- Pour cornbread batter evenly over the beef filling, spreading to cover completely.
- Bake:
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Save Whenever I bring this pie to the table, everyone can't wait to scoop out a warm serving and share stories from the day. It's a comforting classic that makes any family dinner memorable.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9-inch (23 cm) deep-dish pie pan or baking dish, measuring cups and spoons, spatula or wooden spoon
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 19 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein
Notes
For a spicy kick, add 1 diced jalapeño to the beef mixture. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Save This pie tastes best fresh out of the oven. The sweet and savory flavors come together for a dish you'll want to make again and again.
Kitchen Help
- → What type of beef is best for this dish?
Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio is ideal for optimal flavor and moisture in the filling.
- → Can I substitute other vegetables in the filling?
Yes, vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms can be added or swapped for peas and corn to customize the filling.
- → How do I ensure the cornbread crust bakes evenly?
Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the filling and bake until golden, usually 25–30 minutes, testing with a toothpick for doneness.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Adding a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture before cooking introduces a pleasant spicy kick.
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
The beef and vegetable filling can be cooked in advance and refrigerated before topping with cornbread batter and baking.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Fresh side salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens complement the rich and savory flavors perfectly.