Beef with Cornbread on Top – A Comfort Food For 2025

A hearty dish like beef and cornbread bake turns any meal into a celebration. This recipe layers savory, seasoned beef with a golden cornbread topping, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The combination of juicy beef and sweet cornbread is satisfying and easy to make, making it a favorite for family dinners or gatherings.

Each bite brings warmth and comfort, reminding you of the joy of homemade meals. This dish comes together quickly with pantry staples and is adaptable to suit your taste.

Serve it on a chilly evening or anytime comfort food calls. Whether feeding a crowd or preparing something special for yourself, this beef and cornbread bake is sure to impress.

Beef with Cornbread on Top Recipe

Beef with cornbread on top is a hearty dish that brings together savory ground beef and a fluffy, golden cornbread topping.

This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a favorite in many households. Let’s dive into the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Beef Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar added)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Layer

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices (chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper).
4. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
5. Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if using.

Step 2: Make the Cornbread Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, beaten egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Top Tips

Tip 1: Brown the Beef Properly

Cooking the beef thoroughly ensures a rich flavor. Break it up as it cooks to avoid clumps.

Tip 2: Use Fresh Spices

Fresh chili powder and paprika add vibrant flavor to the dish. Replace old spices for better results.

Tip 3: Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mixing the cornbread batter too much can make it dense. Stir gently until combined.

Variations

Add Veggies

Mix in chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients.

Make It Spicy

Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or the cornbread batter for a kick of heat.

Try Different Cheeses

Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella instead of cheddar.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg

Beef with cornbread on top combines two comfort food classics in one dish. It’s warm, filling, and easy to customize to your taste.

This meal is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Try it today and enjoy a satisfying, homemade meal!