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 recipe on a chilly weekend, craving something warm and filling for the family. The combination of beefy filling and fluffy cornbread always brings everyone back for seconds.
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 (for crust): 1/2 tsp
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Large eggs: 2
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (60 g), melted
Instructions
- Prepare oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Brown beef:
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics:
- 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 for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a 9-inch (23 cm) deep-dish pie pan or baking dish.
- Mix dry crust ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet crust 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.
- Assemble pie:
- Pour cornbread batter evenly over the beef filling, spreading to cover completely.
- Bake:
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Save My family looks forward to this dish every time it appears on the table, especially on chilly evenings when everyone gathers together for a warm meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the pie with a crisp side salad or simply enjoy with roasted vegetables for a complete and filling meal.
Allergen & Dietary Info
Contains: wheat (gluten), milk, eggs. Double-check broth and cornmeal brands if you have soy concerns or other allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 19 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Save This pie is pure comfort and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—make it ahead or enjoy fresh from the oven for a memorable meal.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What type of beef is best for this dish?
Ground beef with an 80/20 blend is recommended for a good balance of flavor and moisture.
- → Can I substitute the cornbread crust ingredients?
Yes, you can adjust the cornmeal or flour amounts slightly or replace butter with a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- → How do I ensure the cornbread crust bakes evenly?
Pour the batter evenly over the filling and bake until the crust is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- → Can this dish be made spicier?
Adding diced jalapeño to the beef mixture will give the dish a pleasant spicy kick.
- → Are there lighter protein options?
Substituting ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter variation of the filling.