Savory Ground Beef Cornbread Bake

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Easy Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a hearty, homemade casserole to bring everyone to the dinner table. This Easy Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole is a quintessential comfort food, blending the robust flavors of a savory beef chili with a tender, golden, and buttery cornbread topping. It’s a classic dish that truly embodies warmth and home-cooked goodness, making it an undeniable family favorite year after year. Forget complicated recipes; this old-school masterpiece offers a complete meal in one pan, simplifying your cooking without compromising on taste.

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Growing up, this very dish was a staple in my household, often prepared by my mom using a cherished recipe from an old Betty Crocker cookbook. I vividly remember the unique delight of the flavorful cornbread topping – truly the best I had ever tasted! That nostalgic taste and comforting feeling are what inspired my own rendition of this beloved casserole. I often prepare this recipe using my own Homemade Southern Cornbread or my Keto Low-Carb Cornbread recipes, both of which complement the rich beef filling beautifully and create that perfect, golden crust.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole

• Effortless One-Pan Meal: Everything comes together in a single skillet (or a skillet and baking dish combo), minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a wholesome cornbread topping, this casserole is incredibly filling and satisfying.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors to your preference – add more spice, different vegetables, or a variety of cheeses.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole reheats wonderfully and can even be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common pantry staples and affordable ground beef, this recipe is kind to your wallet.

Where Did Tamale Pie Originate? Unraveling the History of a Beloved Dish

Often referred to as “American Tamale Pie,” this casserole has a fascinating history rooted in early 20th-century America. It emerged sometime in the early 1900s, gaining popularity quickly as a hearty and economical meal. By the mid-1910s, this adaptable dish had even found its way into the curriculums of home economics classes in U.S. high schools, a testament to its widespread acceptance and ease of preparation. While its exact genesis is debated, many culinary historians suggest it may have originated in the great state of Texas, a region celebrated for its unique blend of Southern and Tex-Mex culinary traditions. The dish represents an American adaptation of traditional Mexican tamales, transforming the corn masa into a baked topping rather than individual steamed packets. It’s a wonderful example of how culinary ideas evolve and integrate into new cultural contexts. You can read more about its fascinating origin here.

Crafting the Perfect Cornbread Topping: Essential Ingredients

The cornbread topping is truly the crown jewel of this casserole, providing a sweet or savory contrast and a delightful texture. Achieving that ideal balance starts with the right ingredients:

• Yellow Cornmeal: This forms the base, providing that quintessential cornbread texture and flavor. Yellow cornmeal often lends a slightly sweeter, richer taste compared to white cornmeal, contributing to a beautiful golden crust.
• All-purpose flour: A small amount of flour helps to lighten the texture of the cornbread, preventing it from becoming too dense or crumbly.
• Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives the cornbread its rise and airy texture.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste of the cornbread.
• Optional Sweetener or Sugar: This is where personal preference comes in. A touch of sugar creates a sweeter, more traditional Southern-style cornbread, which beautifully complements the savory chili below. If you prefer a more robust, savory cornbread, you can omit or reduce the sugar.
• Melted Unsalted Butter: Contributes richness and a lovely moist texture to the cornbread, ensuring it doesn’t dry out during baking.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binder, helping to hold the cornbread together and adding to its rich texture.
• Buttermilk: The secret to truly moist and tender cornbread. Its acidity reacts with the baking powder, producing a soft crumb and tangy flavor profile.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This is an optional but highly recommended addition, melting into the cornbread to create pockets of gooey, savory goodness that elevate the topping to another level.

The Heart of the Casserole: Savory Beef Filling Ingredients

The flavorful base of this casserole is a rich, chili-like filling that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cornbread. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building depth and spice:

• Ground Beef (or your preferred meat): The star of the show, providing a hearty and robust foundation. While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative.
• Onions: Sautéed onions form the aromatic base, adding a foundational sweetness and depth of flavor when caramelized.
• Peppers (Green and Red): These add a vibrant color, a fresh crunch, and a subtle sweetness that complements the chili spices. Bell peppers also contribute important vitamins and antioxidants.
• Chili Powder: The primary spice that gives the filling its signature chili flavor – warm, earthy, and slightly smoky.
• Cumin: Adds a distinctive earthy and warm aroma, deepening the complexity of the chili flavor.
• Ground Oregano: Provides a slightly bitter, peppery, and aromatic note that is characteristic of many Tex-Mex dishes.
• Red Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper introduces a spicy kick, elevating the chili’s warmth.
• Corn (Frozen or Canned): Adds a touch of sweetness and bursts of texture, contrasting beautifully with the savory beef. Frozen corn is convenient, but canned (drained) works just as well.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Undrained): This ingredient is a flavor powerhouse! The acidity of the tomatoes brightens the chili, while the green chilies introduce a mild, tangy heat without being overly spicy. Keeping them undrained adds crucial moisture and flavor to the filling.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole

Creating this delicious casserole is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish:

1. Prepare the Cornbread Batter: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the cornbread: yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and your optional sweetener or sugar. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure they are well integrated.
2. Next, create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients: large eggs, melted unsalted butter, and buttermilk. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cornbread with unsightly cracks on the surface.
3. Carefully fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, if using, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter. Set the prepared cornbread batter aside while you work on the filling.
4. Cook the Hearty Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch or 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook the filling in any large pan and then transfer it to a separate 9×13 baking dish before adding the cornbread topping.
5. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onions, green peppers, and red peppers to the skillet. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and the onions become translucent and fragrant.
6. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and optional red cayenne pepper. Use a meat chopper or a sturdy spoon to break up the ground beef into small, uniform pieces. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. If your ground beef releases a lot of fat, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
7. Stir in the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, along with the frozen corn. Mix all the ingredients well, allowing them to simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Make sure the beef and vegetable filling is spread evenly across the bottom of the skillet or baking dish.
8. Assemble and Bake: Remove the skillet (or baking dish with filling) from the heat. Carefully spoon the reserved cornbread batter evenly over the top of the beef chili filling. Use a silicone spoon or the back of a ladle to gently spread the batter all the way to the edges, creating a uniform layer.
9. Transfer the skillet or baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes. The casserole is done when the cornbread topping is beautifully golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean, indicating it’s cooked through.
10. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes for easier portioning.

Cornbread Options and Convenience: Homemade, Self-Rising, or Mix?

While making cornbread from scratch offers unparalleled flavor and texture, there are several convenient options available, depending on your time and preference. This recipe is wonderfully versatile and accommodates various approaches to the cornbread topping.

Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix: A Time-Saving Hack

For those looking to streamline the cornbread preparation, using self-rising cornmeal is a fantastic shortcut. This pre-mixed ingredient combines cornmeal, flour, and a leavening agent like baking powder all in one. If you opt for self-rising cornmeal, you can skip adding separate flour and baking powder from the recipe. Simply adjust the liquid and eggs according to the self-rising cornmeal package instructions or based on how you usually make your cornbread with it. It’s a completely optional, yet highly effective, hack for busy cooks. You can often find self-rising cornmeal in most grocery stores, or it’s conveniently available online.

Can You Use Jiffy Cornbread Mix? Absolutely!

Yes, absolutely! There’s no shame in using a pre-packaged cornbread mix, especially when time is of the essence. Jiffy cornbread mix is a popular choice and works wonderfully for this casserole. The goal is to get a delicious, golden cornbread topping, and if a mix helps you get dinner on the table faster, then that’s the best option for you! Just prepare the Jiffy mix (or any other brand of cornbread mix) according to its package instructions for the liquid additions, then spread it over your prepared beef filling. The slight sweetness of many boxed cornbread mixes often complements the savory chili filling perfectly.

What to Serve and Pair With This Comfort Food Classic

This Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but pairing it with a fresh side or two can elevate the dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors:

• Instant Pot Collard Greens: Tender, flavorful greens cooked quickly and easily, offering a nutritious and earthy contrast.
• Southern Collard Greens: A classic soul food side, these slow-cooked greens with their savory, slightly smoky flavor are a perfect match.
• Southern Mustard Greens: Similar to collards but with a slightly sharper, peppery bite, adding another layer of flavor.
• Green Goddess Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a creamy, herby dressing provides a light and refreshing counterpoint to the hearty casserole.
• Instant Pot Cabbage: Soft, tender cabbage cooked efficiently in a pressure cooker, offering a mild, sweet, and savory vegetable side.
• Air Fryer Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans with a slight char, quick to make and a healthy green addition.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Roasted to perfection with crispy edges, these add a slightly bitter, savory note that balances the casserole.
• Fried Cabbage: A simple yet delicious side, often cooked with bacon, providing a smoky and tender vegetable.
• Zucchini Au Gratin: Creamy, cheesy, and tender zucchini baked to golden perfection, adding another layer of comforting flavor.
• Scalloped Corn: A rich, creamy, and slightly sweet corn dish that would enhance the overall “comfort food” theme.
• A Simple Green Salad: Sometimes, all you need is a light salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness of the casserole.
• Pickled Jalapeños or Hot Sauce: For those who love extra heat, a side of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add a zesty kick.

Customizing Your Casserole: Delicious Variations

One of the best aspects of this Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary exploration:

• Meat Variations: Instead of ground beef, consider using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Ground pork or a mixture of ground meats can also add different dimensions of flavor. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based ground meat substitutes or a hearty mix of black beans and lentils.
• Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the filling by incorporating other vegetables. Diced carrots, celery, zucchini, or even a can of black beans (drained and rinsed) would be excellent additions. Sauté them along with the onions and peppers.
• Spice Profile Adjustments: If you love a bolder chili flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of cayenne, or a touch of chipotle powder for a smoky heat. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount of chili powder. A bay leaf simmered with the filling can also add depth and then be removed before baking.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for a spicier kick), Colby, or a Mexican blend would all melt beautifully into the cornbread or be a great addition to the filling. You could even sprinkle extra cheese over the cornbread during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispier, cheesy crust.
• Sweetness Level of Cornbread: As mentioned, the sugar in the cornbread is optional. If you prefer a very sweet cornbread, increase the sugar to a full cup. For a completely savory topping, omit it entirely.
• Herb Enhancements: Fresh cilantro or parsley can be stirred into the beef filling just before topping with cornbread, or sprinkled generously over the finished casserole for a burst of freshness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole is fantastic fresh out of the oven, but it also makes for excellent leftovers. Knowing how to properly store and reheat it can save you time and ensure every bite is just as delicious as the first.

How to Store

Once cooled, cover any leftover Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.

Reheating for Best Results

To enjoy your leftovers, reheating correctly is key to maintaining texture and flavor:

• Oven Reheating: This is generally the best method for preserving the cornbread’s crispness. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place individual slices or the entire casserole (covered with foil to prevent drying out) in an oven-safe dish. Heat for 15-25 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the cornbread topping.
• Air Fryer Reheating: For smaller portions, the air fryer is a fantastic option. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place a slice of casserole in the air fryer basket (you might want to cover the top loosely with foil if the cornbread looks like it’s browning too fast). Heat for 5-10 minutes, checking periodically, until warm and the cornbread is slightly crispy.
• Microwave Reheating: While convenient, the microwave can sometimes make the cornbread a bit softer or chewier. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warm. This method is best if you’re in a hurry and don’t mind a softer topping.

Freezer Tips for Make-Ahead Meals

This casserole can be a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal, but with a crucial caveat for the cornbread. The cornbread topping can get soggy if frozen after baking.

• Freezing Unbaked: I highly recommend making the beef filling and preparing the wet cornbread batter separately if you plan to freeze the entire dish. Assemble the casserole with the wet batter on top, then cover it very tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake it directly from frozen (no need to thaw) at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), but double the baking time to approximately 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
• Freezing Filling Only: Another excellent option is to prepare and cook just the beef filling. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. This can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for dinner, thaw the filling, reheat it in your skillet, then prepare a fresh batch of cornbread batter and top the warm filling before baking. This ensures the freshest cornbread texture.

More Delicious Cornbread Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and deliciousness of cornbread from this casserole, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fantastic cornbread recipes:

• Sweet Potato Cornbread: A delightful twist, incorporating the natural sweetness and moist texture of sweet potatoes into classic cornbread.
• Pumpkin Cornbread: Perfect for fall, this recipe infuses warm pumpkin flavors and spices into a comforting cornbread.
• Chicken and Dressing: A Southern classic where cornbread forms the flavorful base of a savory, herb-filled dressing.
• Blueberry Cornbread: Sweet and fruity, this recipe adds juicy blueberries for a wonderful breakfast or dessert cornbread.
• Homemade Cornbread Muffins: Individual portions of classic cornbread, perfect for a quick side or snack.
• Cornbread Casserole: A rich and creamy casserole featuring cornbread in a different, equally comforting format.

Recipe Tools Used in this Recipe:

• Cast Iron Skillet
• Meat Chopper

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