Save to Pinterest A hearty, comforting pie featuring savory beef and vegetables beneath a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
When I first made this cornbread crusted beef pie, the golden crust bubbling over the savory beef filling made it an instant family favorite. Everyone gathered eagerly at the table, excited for their share of this comforting classic.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 lb/450 g, 80/20 blend recommended): Rich, savory base for the filling
- Yellow onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and aroma
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For depth of flavor
- Carrot (1 medium, diced): Sweetness and color
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Pop of green and sweetness
- Frozen corn kernels (1/2 cup): Adds texture and subtle sweetness
- Tomato paste (1/4 cup): Thickens and enhances the beef filling
- Beef broth (1 cup): Makes the filling saucy and flavorful
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Deep, umami flavor
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): Adds aroma
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Smoky warmth
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Seasoning
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): For spice
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Sautéing the vegetables
- Yellow cornmeal (1 cup/120 g): Key for the crust
- All-purpose flour (1 cup/125 g): Structure for the crust
- Granulated sugar (1 tbsp): Subtle sweetness
- Baking powder (1 tbsp): Rises the crust
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Seasoning in crust
- Whole milk (1 cup/240 ml): Moisture in crust
- Eggs (2 large): Binds the crust
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup/60 g, melted): Richness for the crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set oven to 400°F (200°C) to allow it to heat while you prepare ingredients.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add onion and carrot and sauté 34 minutes until softened.
- Brown the beef:
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Build the filling flavor:
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and veggies:
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, peas, and corn. Simmer 57 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and transfer to a 9inch (23 cm) deep-dish pie pan or baking dish.
- Mix the dry ingredients (crust):
- In a mixing bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients (crust):
- In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter until combined. Pour wet into dry and stir until just mixed—do not overmix.
- Assemble and bake:
- Pour cornbread batter evenly over the beef filling, spreading to cover completely.
- Bake:
- Bake for 2530 minutes, until cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted in the crust comes out clean.
- Rest and serve:
- Let pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Growing up, this pie was a weekend traditiondinner that always brought everyone to the table on time, eager for generous helpings and a bit of friendly competition for that last slice.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a tangy slaw to balance out the richness of the pie. Fresh herbs sprinkled over the top add brightness.
Make Ahead & Storage
This pie can be assembled ahead up to the baking step, then refrigerated covered for up to 1 day. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3 days or can be frozen for a month; reheat until piping hot before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 19 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein. These numbers are approximate and will vary based on ingredient brands and portions used.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this pie hot from the oven for the ultimate comfort. Its golden crust and savory filling will make it a staple on your table all season long.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of ground beef is best for this dish?
Using an 80/20 blend of ground beef provides a good balance of flavor and fat, ensuring a juicy filling that isn’t too greasy.
- → Can I make the cornbread crust ahead of time?
The cornbread batter is best assembled fresh and baked immediately to maintain its light and tender texture.
- → How can I add a spicy flavor to this dish?
Incorporate a diced jalapeño into the beef mixture before cooking to add a mild, smoky heat.
- → Are there alternatives to ground beef for the filling?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter protein options without compromising the dish’s flavor.
- → What sides pair well with this cornbread crusted filling?
A fresh side salad or roasted vegetables complement the rich beef and cornbread beautifully for a balanced meal.
- → How do I know when the cornbread crust is done baking?
The crust is ready when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.