Save A hearty, comforting pie featuring savory beef and vegetables beneath a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
I first made this Cornbread Crusted Beef Pie on a chilly evening when everyone wanted something filling but a little different. Classic beef pie meets cornmeal topping, and it quickly disappeared from the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Beef Filling: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended), 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 medium carrot (diced), 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil
- Cornbread Crust: 1 cup (120 g) yellow cornmeal, 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot. Sauté 3 4 minutes until softened
- Brown Beef:
- Add ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed
- Add Flavor:
- 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 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
- Make Cornbread Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt
- Combine Wet & Dry:
- 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 beef filling, spreading to cover completely
- Bake:
- Bake 25 30 minutes, or until cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving
Save This is the dish my kids request after a long soccer practice, and we love building memories around the table with this satisfying pie.
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
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs. May contain traces of soy depending on ingredient brands
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 Calories, 19 g Total Fat, 39 g Carbohydrates, 22 g Protein
Save Enjoy the warm, savory comfort of this pie as your new go to for family gatherings or a nourishing weeknight meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of meat works best for this dish?
Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio offers the best flavor and moisture balance.
- → Can I substitute the cornbread topping with another crust?
Yes, but the cornbread adds a unique sweet and crumbly texture that complements the savory filling well.
- → How can I add a spicy kick to the pie?
Incorporate diced jalapeño into the beef mixture for a subtle heat.
- → Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well before baking. Thaw completely before baking for even cooking.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Consider a fresh side salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance richness.