Beef And Cornbread Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, baked with a sweet and savory cornbread topping. Perfect for family dinners, it offers comforting flavors with a crispy crust and flavorful meat mixture, making it a satisfying and easy-to-make meal for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Add pork and beans, barbecue sauce, chopped onion, salt, and tomato sauce to the beef.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a large 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare cornbread batter using 2 small packages of cornbread mix and spread over the beef mixture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Spread soft margarine over the top of the cornbread before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding some chopped bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra flavor. If you don't have barbecue sauce on hand, a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can work as a substitute. Ensure to drain the pork and beans to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery. This recipe is great for using up leftover beef from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with My Mama'S Chicken Fried Steak for a comforting feast. For an added crunch, consider serving with tortilla chips on the side. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef and cornbread casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Cornbread Casserole contains roughly 928 calories, with 6g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1599mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey may be milder in flavor. You may also need to adjust cooking times slightly, as turkey cooks faster.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu. Use vegetarian beans and barbecue sauce to keep it plant-based. This variation retains the hearty texture while appealing to a vegetarian diet.
Can I add extra toppings to the cornbread?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in shredded cheese, corn kernels, or diced jalapeños into the cornbread batter before spreading it over the beef mixture. This adds flavor and texture, making the dish even more delightful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).