Shepherd's Pie with Cornbread Topping
A hearty Tex-Mex twist on a classic comfort food! This casserole features a savory, spiced ground beef filling topped with a golden, slightly sweet cornbread crust. A perfect one-pan dinner for the whole family.
For 6 servings
10 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
- 2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the vegetable oil
- a.Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant
- a.Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- 4
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, 1 tsp of salt, and black pepper
- a.Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir until it's fully incorporated.
- 5
Pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste
- a.Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- 6
Remove the skillet from the heat
- a.Stir in the thawed corn and the rinsed black beans. Pour this filling into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- 7
Step 7
- a.In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk and egg. Pour the wet ingredients and the melted butter into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – do not overmix.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Carefully spoon the cornbread batter over the beef filling, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the topping comes out clean.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
- 2Don't overmix the cornbread batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and result in a more tender topping.
- 3Letting the pie rest is crucial for clean slices. If you cut it too soon, the filling will be runny.
- 4Ensure the beef filling has cooled slightly before adding the cornbread batter to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
- 5For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño with the onions or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumble for a different flavor profile.
Cheesy ToppingCheesy Topping
Stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the cornbread batter for a deliciously cheesy crust.
Vegetable BoostVegetable Boost
Add other finely diced vegetables to the filling like carrots, celery, or zucchini along with the onions and peppers for extra nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
With a substantial amount of protein from ground beef and black beans, this dish supports muscle maintenance, repair, and keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Fiber
The combination of black beans, corn, and cornmeal provides a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Source of Iron
Ground beef is an excellent source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing fatigue.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Shepherd's Pie with Cornbread Topping contains approximately 600-650 calories, depending on the leanness of the beef and specific ingredients used.