Beef-Filled Corn Bread Squares
Savory cornbread squares filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and flavorful peppers, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings with bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 package corn bread mix (10 oz.) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded American cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cold water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped, seeded canned green chili pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned.
- Drain off the fat.
- Stir in catsup and salt; set aside.
- Prepare the corn bread batter according to package directions or your own recipe.
- Spread half of the batter in a greased 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the batter in the pan and sprinkle with shredded American cheese.
- Spread the remaining batter over the cheese layer.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) until the cornbread is done, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of American cheese. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a suitable substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Make sure to let the beef mixture cool slightly before layering it on the batter to avoid cooking the cornbread.
Serving Suggestions
These squares can be served warm as a main dish, paired with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer for gatherings. Consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or a side of Alabama Cheese Spread for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Beef-Filled Corn Bread Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef-Filled Corn Bread Squares contains roughly 275 calories, with 15g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 995mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the cornbread is done baking?
The cornbread is done when it turns golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it as it approaches the 30-minute mark.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread batter a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble them right before baking. This makes for a convenient meal option when you're short on time.
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).