Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole (Easy Skillet Dinner)
This Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole combines savory BBQ ground beef, crispy bacon, bell peppers, and a homemade cheesy cornbread topping. Everything bakes together in one skillet for a hearty family dinner that’s ready in just 45 minutes!
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Some nights, you need a dinner that’s filling, easy to make, and doesn’t leave you washing a sink full of dishes afterward. This Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole checks all three boxes!
It starts with seasoned ground beef, bacon, bell peppers, and a slightly sweet BBQ sauce. Then we top it with homemade cheesy cornbread and bake until golden.
The best part? You can have this hearty dinner on the table in about 45 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights when everyone is coming and going from school, sports, and activities.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe:
Ground Beef Filling Ingredients
Cornbread Ingredients
Ingredients for Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole
This recipe uses everyday ingredients to make two delicious layers: a savory ground beef filling and a homemade, cheesy cornbread topping.
For the Ground Beef Filling
- Ground Beef – The hearty base of the casserole. Ground chuck works well for this recipe.
- Bacon Bits – Add smoky, savory flavor to the beef filling.
- Red Onion – Adds flavor and a little sweetness as it cooks.
- Bell Pepper – Adds color, texture, and a little extra vegetable goodness.
- BBQ Sauce – Gives the beef filling its sweet and tangy flavor. Use your family’s favorite.
- Ketchup – Adds a little sweetness and tomato flavor.
- Dijon Mustard – Balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the savory filling.
- Olive Oil – Used to cook the onions, bacon, and ground beef.
- Seasonings – Salt, garlic powder, dry mustard, black pepper, and onion powder bring everything together.
For the Cheesy Cornbread Topping
- Cornmeal – Gives the homemade cornbread its classic flavor and texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps create the structure of the cornbread.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cornbread rise as it bakes.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Eggs – Help hold the cornbread batter together.
- Milk – Adds moisture to the cornbread.
- Olive Oil – Keeps the cornbread tender.
- Honey – Adds just enough sweetness to complement the BBQ beef filling.
- Colby Jack Cheese – Adds cheesy flavor to the cornbread topping. Cheddar is another great option.
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How to Make Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole
This recipe has two parts. First, you’ll make the BBQ ground beef filling. Then you’ll mix up the cheesy cornbread batter and bake everything together. (I prefer cast iron skillets)
- Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, dry mustard, black pepper, and onion powder. Set aside while you prepare the beef.
- Cook the Onion and Bacon: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the bacon bits and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Sprinkle the seasonings over the beef and cook until it’s fully browned and cooked through.
- Make the BBQ Beef Filling: Turn off the heat. Stir in the ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce until everything is evenly coated. Add the diced bell pepper and mix well. Spread the beef mixture evenly across the skillet.
- Make the Cheesy Cornbread Batter: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, mixing in each addition. Stir in the milk, olive oil, and honey until combined. Fold in the shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Add the Cornbread Topping: Gently pour the cornbread batter over the ground beef mixture and spread it evenly to cover the filling. Don’t stir the two layers together. The cornbread should sit on top of the beef.
- Bake and Serve: Bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean. Serve warm with your favorite easy side dish.
Don’t Have an Oven-Safe Skillet? You can prepare the ground beef filling in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a 9×9-inch baking dish before adding the cornbread topping.
Find the measurements and full recipe below!
For even more delicious recipes, you will like these:
Tips for the Best Cornbread Ground Beef Casserole
A few simple things can help your casserole turn out just right.
- Choose a BBQ Sauce You Already Love: The BBQ sauce adds a lot of flavor to the ground beef filling, so choose one your family enjoys. A sweeter sauce will make the filling sweeter, while a smoky sauce will give it a different flavor.
- Drain Excess Grease If Needed: Depending on the ground beef you use, you may have extra grease after browning. Carefully drain any excess before adding the sauces so the filling doesn’t become greasy.
- Keep the Layers Separate: Don’t mix the cornbread batter into the beef filling. Spreading it over the top allows it to bake into a golden cornbread layer.
- Check the Center Before Serving: The cornbread may look golden on top before the center is fully baked. Insert a toothpick into the cornbread portion to check for wet batter.
- Use a Large Enough Skillet: Make sure your skillet has enough room for both the beef filling and the cornbread topping without overflowing.
Prep Dinner Before The Busy Evening Starts
If you know tomorrow night is packed with activities, make the bbq beef filling the night before. Store it in the refrigerator, then add the homemade cornbread topping when you’re ready to bake. You’ll need to allow extra baking time for the chilled filling. It’s a simple way to get some of the dinner prep out of the way before the evening gets busy.
Easy Variations
One of the nice things about this ground beef cornbread casserole is how easily you can adjust the flavors to suit your family.
- Make It Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a little hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. You can also stir chopped green chiles into the cornbread batter or add Pepper Jack cheese for extra heat.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: If your family loves cheese, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar over the ground beef before adding the cornbread batter. You can also swap the Colby Jack for sharp cheddar or smoked Gouda.
- Add More Vegetables: Stir some corn into the cooked beef mixture or add extra diced bell peppers. It’s an easy way to use up vegetables you already have in the refrigerator.
- Give It a Taco-Inspired Twist: Swap the beef seasonings for taco seasoning and add a little chipotle powder or cayenne pepper. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or avocado slices.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole
Since this casserole already includes ground beef and cornbread, you don’t need much to make it a complete dinner.
Here are a few easy sides that work well:
- Simple Green Salad: A bagged salad mix with ranch dressing is an easy option when you’re short on time.
- Steamed Green Beans: Keep a bag of frozen green beans on hand for a quick vegetable side.
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced apples, grapes, or berries are an easy addition, especially for kids.
- Coleslaw: The crisp, cool texture pairs nicely with the sweet and savory BBQ filling.
You can also set out sour cream, salsa, or sliced avocado for anyone who wants to add a little something extra.
How To Store And Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, this casserole is easy to save for another meal.
- To Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat in the Air Fryer: Place a portion in an air-fryer-safe dish and heat at 300°F for approximately 5–8 minutes, or until heated through.
- To Reheat in the Oven: Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through.
For food safety, refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking and reheat to 165°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Cornbread Mix Instead of Homemade Cornbread?
You can use a boxed cornbread mix as a shortcut, though the texture and sweetness may differ from the homemade topping in this recipe. Prepare the mix according to its package directions and use enough batter to cover the beef filling. Check for doneness, since the baking time may change.
Can I Make Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the ground beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to make dinner, reheat the filling thoroughly, prepare the fresh cornbread batter, and bake as directed, checking that the topping is cooked through.
This can be a helpful shortcut on nights when you’re trying to get dinner ready between activities.
What Kind of Ground Beef Works Best?
Ground chuck works well in this recipe, but you can use the ground beef you normally buy. If you’re using a higher-fat ground beef, drain the excess grease before adding the BBQ sauce and other ingredients.
Can I Make This Casserole Without a Cast Iron Skillet?
Absolutely! You don’t need cast iron to make this recipe. Any appropriately sized oven-safe skillet will work. If you don’t have one, prepare the filling on the stovetop and transfer it to a 9×9-inch baking dish before adding the cornbread batter.
How Do I Know When the Cornbread Is Done?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread layer should come out without wet batter. If the center needs more time, continue baking and check again after a few minutes.
Ground beef is one of my favorite ingredients to keep on hand because there are so many ways to turn it into a filling family dinner.
If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Ground Beef Pot Pie with Biscuits, next. It has a creamy beef and vegetable filling topped with golden refrigerated biscuits. It’s another hearty dinner that makes busy weeknights easier.
When your evenings are packed with homework, practices, and everything else that comes with family life, a few reliable dinners make a big difference. This ground beef cornbread casserole brings together BBQ ground beef, bacon, and cheesy homemade cornbread in one hearty skillet meal. Add a simple salad or fresh fruit, and dinner is taken care of without complicating the evening.
Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole
This Ground Beef Cornbread Casserole combines savory BBQ ground beef, crispy bacon, bell peppers, and a homemade cheesy cornbread topping. Everything bakes together in one skillet for a hearty family dinner that's ready in just 45 minutes!
Ingredients
Beef Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup bacon bits
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 2 pounds ground beef (I used ground Chuck)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons light brown packed sugar
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Cornbread Topping:
- 1 ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (You can use Cheddar, white cheddar, Mozzarella, or smoked Gouda)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Mix the salt, garlic powder, dry mustard, ground black pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Add the olive oil to a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onions. Cook the onions until they are softened, 2-3 minutes. Add the bacon bits. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The bacon bits will soften and release oil.
- Add the ground beef and use a heatproof spoon to break it into pieces. Sprinkle the seasoning over the ground beef. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is thoroughly cooked.
- Turn off the heat and add the ketchup, Dijon mustard, light brown packed sugar, and BBQ sauce to the beef mixture. Mix well. Add the bell peppers. Mix well and spread evenly into the skillet. *NOTE* If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, transfer your beef mixture to a 9x9 baking dish. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cornbread Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Make a well in the middle of the dry mixture and add the eggs. One at a time, mixing well in between each addition. Add in the milk, olive oil, and honey. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and you have a batter.
- Add the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Mix well. Gently pour the cornbread mixture over the beef mixture. DON’T MIX
- Cook in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden. Insert a toothpick in the cornbread layer. If it comes out clean of batter, your cornbread is cooked and your casserole is ready.
- Serve and Enjoy!
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Hi, I’m Brittany, and I believe life at home should feel easier, not heavier.
I’m the creator of Our Home Made Easy, a space for busy women who want dinner on the table, their homes running smoothly, and a little breathing room at the end of the day.
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