BBQ Beef Cornbread Pie with Cheddar Cheese
A hearty casserole combining savory ground beef in tangy barbecue sauce topped with melted cheddar and a fluffy cornbread layer. This comfort food favorite transforms classic BBQ flavors into a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. The cornbread topping bakes to golden perfection while the beef mixture bubbles underneath, creating distinct layers of flavor and texture that make every bite satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and spray baking dish with cooking spray
- 2
Cook beef, onion and bell pepper in dutch oven until browned and cooked through, then drain fat
- 3
Add barbecue sauce and tomato sauce, bring to boil then reduce to simmer for 5 minutes
- 4
Whisk together cornmeal, milk, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, egg and melted butter
- 5
Layer beef mixture in baking dish, top with shredded cheese, then spread cornbread mixture on top
- 6
Bake until cornbread is golden and cooked through
Tips
Drain the beef mixture well to prevent a soggy cornbread topping
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help layers set
Check cornbread doneness with a toothpick inserted in center
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Assemble casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate, add 10 minutes to baking time
Let rest 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the beef fat to avoid greasy results
Avoid overmixing cornbread batter to prevent tough topping
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use a different size pan?
Use an 8x8 for thicker layers or 9x13 for thinner layers, adjusting baking time by 5-10 minutes as needed.
What if I don't have a dutch oven?
Any large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot works fine for cooking the beef mixture.
How long will leftovers keep?
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.