Pin 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 comforting beef pie for a family Sunday supper—it's become a favorite whenever we crave something warm and filling in the colder months.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20 blend recommended): 1 lb (450 g)
- Yellow onion, finely chopped: 1 medium
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Carrot, diced: 1 medium
- 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 (plus 1/2 tsp for crust)
- 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
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Large eggs: 2
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1/4 cup (60 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Cook vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add onion and carrot. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Brown beef:
- Add ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Flavor the filling:
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
- Add broth and vegetables:
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, peas, and corn. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a 9inch (23 cm) deepdish pie pan or baking dish.
- Mix dry crust ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet crust ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter until combined. Add wet to dry; stir until just mixed—do not overmix.
- Top with cornbread batter:
- Pour cornbread batter evenly over beef filling, spreading to cover completely.
- Bake:
- Bake 25–30 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.
Pin Sharing this pie around our table always leads to big smiles and second helpings—it's the taste of gathered comfort with loved ones.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, 9inch (23 cm) deepdish pie pan or baking dish, measuring cups and spoons, spatula or wooden spoon.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk, eggs. May contain traces of soy depending on broth and cornmeal brands.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 19 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Pin Make this comforting pie for your next family gathering—it's a crowdpleaser that's sure to disappear quickly.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of beef is best for this dish?
A ground beef blend with 80/20 fat content is ideal to keep the filling juicy and flavorful.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
Yes, feel free to include diced jalapeños for heat, or substitute with additional peas, corn, or other preferred vegetables.
- → How do I know when the cornbread crust is done?
The crust should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into it should come out clean.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake, ensuring the crust stays fresh and moist.
- → What sides complement this hearty pie?
A fresh side salad or roasted vegetables pair well to balance the richness of the dish.