Ground beef, barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, and cornbread come together in this comforting, satisfying Savory BBQ Cornbread Beef Pie.

Let me just start by saying—I did not plan for this recipe to become a staple. It kinda just… happened. One of those happy accidents that stick around, like the time you try on a weird thrift store jacket for fun and then wear it for five years straight.

It was late fall. I remember that because the heat was on too high, I was wearing mismatched socks, and I had ground beef in the fridge that needed to be used or it was going to get weird. I was also cranky. I’d had one of those days where even the dog gave me side-eye.

I had no energy for a proper dinner. I wanted warm, and filling, and something that didn’t involve ten side dishes. I saw a bottle of barbecue sauce in the fridge door—wedged behind a half-used jar of pickles and a very suspicious bottle of “green juice”—and thought, “Okay. That. Let’s start there.”

I browned the beef, tossed in some onions and peppers because why not, added the sauce, then stood there with a spoon thinking, “This needs something on top.” A box of cornmeal later and a haphazardly mixed batter, I slapped it all in a baking dish and shoved it into the oven like it owed me money.

this recipe

And what came out? Honestly, it felt like a hug. A little sweet, a little smoky, cheesy, soft on the bottom, golden on top. I ate a quarter of the pan standing at the counter. The rest I shared—reluctantly.

That’s how this Savory BBQ Cornbread Beef Pie was born. Not from Pinterest perfection or a magazine spread, but from real life, real hunger, and a small bout of kitchen desperation.

Why You’ll Love This Savory BBQ Cornbread Beef Pie Recipe?

You know how some recipes just work? Like, even when you’re halfway paying attention and using the wrong measuring cup? That’s this one.

• It’s cozy. Like, emotionally cozy. This is “put on sweatpants and ignore your email” kind of food.

• No side dish stress. It’s beef, veggies, sauce, cheese, and cornbread. One dish. Done.

• It reheats like a champ. Microwave, oven, next-day cold nibble—it all works.

• The textures. The way the sweet cornbread melts into the smoky BBQ sauce? Ugh. I’m getting hungry just typing this.

• It doesn’t try too hard. There’s something deeply lovable about recipes that show up with zero pretension and still get all the compliments.

Ingredient Notes:

No judgment here. If your pantry looks like a chaotic symphony of “almost empty” containers and spices that expired in 2019, I see you. This recipe gets it.

• Ground beef – I usually use 80/20, but I’ve made it with turkey too. It was fine. Just not as rich.

• Onion & green bell pepper – Flavor boosters. But listen, if all you have is a red pepper and half a shallot? You’re good.

• BBQ sauce – Use what you love. I once used a mango-habanero one and it turned into a spicy-sweet masterpiece.

• Tomato sauce – Balances things out. Adds a bit more sauciness. You can sub crushed tomatoes in a pinch.

• Cheddar cheese – Use the good stuff if you can. But if you’ve got a half bag of taco blend cheese hanging around? That’ll do.

• Cornbread batter – I’ve made it from scratch (with cornmeal, flour, milk, etc.) and with a boxed mix. Both worked. One took less effort. You decide.

How To Make Savory BBQ Cornbread Beef Pie?

This isn’t fussy. If you get distracted by a phone call and forget the cheese layer—been there. Still tasted great.

Step 1: Preheat that oven
400°F is the magic number. Grease your baking dish. I usually use a 9×9, but I’ve used an 8×8 and a weird oval once too. The cornbread doesn’t care.

Step 2: Cook the beef mixture
Brown the ground beef with chopped onions and bell peppers until everything looks happy. Drain the grease. Or don’t. I won’t tell.

Step 3: Add your sauce
Pour in the BBQ sauce and tomato sauce. Stir it together and let it simmer for a few minutes. Taste it. Add a little hot sauce if that’s your vibe.

Step 4: Make the cornbread topping
Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, melted butter, and an egg. Don’t stress if you mess up the order. It’s cornbread, not a soufflé.

Step 5: Assemble the magic
Beef mixture goes in first. Cheese goes next (don’t forget like I did once). Then pour that cornbread batter over the top and spread it gently with a spatula or spoon. It’s okay if it’s a little rustic-looking.

Step 6: Bake
30–35 minutes. Or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean-ish. Or until you just can’t take the smell anymore and decide it’s “done enough.”

Storage Options:

• Fridge: Keeps for about 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. It somehow gets better after a night in the fridge. Like lasagna.

• Freezer: Wrap slices in foil or stash in a container. Reheat straight from frozen or thaw first—both work. Not gourmet, but real life rarely is.

Variations and Substitutions:

I’ve made this pie so many ways. Some on purpose. Some because I forgot an ingredient.

• Spicy beef: Add chipotle, hot sauce, or jalapeños.

• Tex-Mex twist: Add black beans and corn. Use taco sauce instead of BBQ. Still awesome.

• Southern comfort: Top with pickled jalapeños before baking and drizzle with honey after. Yes, I’m serious.

• Veggie version: Swap in lentils or crumbled tofu. Add sautéed mushrooms. It won’t be the same, but it’ll be hearty and good.

What to Serve with Savory BBQ Cornbread Beef Pie?

Real talk: I’ve eaten this straight out of the baking pan with a spoon. No shame. But if you want to round it out:

• Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based. Either adds crunch and balance.

• Simple salad: Just greens, something tangy, and maybe a sprinkle of feta.

• Corn on the cob or roasted veggies: Summer vibes or cozy vibes—your pick.

• Sweet tea, cider, or… wine? Go wild. This pie doesn’t judge your drink choices.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prep it ahead?
Totally. Assemble it, cover, and keep in the fridge for a day. Bake when ready.

Can I skip the cheese?
You can. But… should you? I mean. It’s cheese.

Boxed mix or homemade cornbread?
Both work. I use boxed when I’m tired. Homemade when I need therapy through baking.

That’s it. This Savory BBQ Cornbread Beef Pie isn’t fancy. It’s not flashy. But it’s real. It’s hearty, comforting, and tastes like something you’d eat while sitting barefoot at your kitchen table, catching up with someone you haven’t seen in a while.

If you make it, I’d love to hear about it. Did you go spicy? Use turkey? Eat the last third of the pan in one sitting while watching reruns of your favorite show? Same. Tell me everything.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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Savory BBQ Cornbread Beef Pie

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Gather 'round, folks. For a tale woven. Into the layers of our Savory BBQ Cornbread Beef Pie. This dish is more than food. It's a story of cozy evenings. Laughter echoing through the kitchen. And the kind of warmth. That settles deep in your soul. Imagine breaking through. That golden, sweet cornbread top. Steam rising. To reveal a hearty, barbecue-infused beef. That speaks of home. And heart. Each bite is like a hug from someone dear. A reminder of the simple joys. That good, honest food. Brings to our lives. Perfect for those nights. When you need a little comfort. And a lot of love. On your plate. This pie isn't just made. It's crafted. With memories. And moments in mind. Let's savor it together. Shall we?

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6 Servings

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ c yellow onion chopped
• 1 c green bell pepper chopped
• 1 c barbecue sauce
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 2 c cheddar cheese shredded
• ½ c yellow cornmeal
• ½ c whole milk
• ½ c flour
• ⅓ c white sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 large egg
• ¼ c unsalted butter melted

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9x9 baking dish.
2. Cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper in a pot over medium heat until the beef is browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain any extra fat.
3. Mix in the barbecue sauce and tomato sauce with the beef. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the cornbread topping by whisking together cornmeal, milk, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, egg, and melted butter in a bowl.
5. Assemble the pie by layering the beef mixture in the baking dish, sprinkling with cheese, and spreading the cornbread mixture on top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cornbread topping is golden brown.

Notes

For those embracing a gluten-free lifestyle. Transforming this Savory BBQ Cornbread Beef Pie. Into a dish. That aligns with your dietary preferences. Is delightfully straightforward. Swap the flour in the cornbread topping. For your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Remember to check. That your barbecue sauce. And tomato sauce. Are certified gluten-free. As sauces often hide gluten. In their ingredients. With these simple tweaks. You can enjoy. This comforting, hearty dish. Without compromising. On taste or texture. Here's to a meal. That brings everyone to the table. Dietary needs included!

Audrey

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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