Description
This Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole is pure weeknight comfort savory seasoned beef and sweet corn simmered in a rich tomato sauce, topped with fluffy, golden cornbread. It bakes up in one pan, feeds a hungry family, and tastes even better the next day. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or meal prep when you want something hearty, easy, and irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned, drained)
- For the cornbread topping
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter or olive oil
- Optional
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or similar)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size).
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Add the corn and simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is saucy and combined.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the beef layer.
- Make the cornbread topping: In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs, milk (or buttermilk), and melted butter (or olive oil). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently spoon and spread the cornbread batter over the beef layer, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy every cozy bite.
Notes
Tips: Let the beef brown well before adding sauce for deeper flavor. Substitutions: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken; add diced bell pepper, jalapeño, or black beans for extra heartiness. If you like it spicy, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef layer. Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave until hot. Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
