Hillbilly Pie Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a down-home, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, you have to try Hillbilly Pie. This cornbread-topped casserole layers savory beef, sweet corn, tangy tomatoes, and melty cheddar cheese under a blanket of golden, tender cornbread. It’s pure Southern comfort in a dish—easy to whip up, family-friendly, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or looking for an easy weeknight treat, Hillbilly Pie is always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Hillbilly Pie is how simple but essential each ingredient is. Every item in this recipe adds a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color, making this classic casserole shine in every bite!
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides a rich, savory flavor and hearty base for the pie.
- Medium onion, diced (1): Adds aromatic sweetness and soft texture to the filling.
- Whole kernel corn, drained (1 can, 15 oz): Lends pops of sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can, 15 oz): Infuses juiciness and a little tang to balance the meatiness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into the filling for irresistible creaminess and flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savoriness without fussing with fresh garlic.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch of warmth to round out the dish.
- Jiffy corn muffin mix (1 box, 8.5 oz): The secret shortcut to a perfectly fluffy, golden topping.
- Egg (1): Binds the cornbread batter for a tender crumb.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Creates a smooth, pourable batter for the topping.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Helps everything release cleanly from the baking dish—no sticking!
How to Make Hillbilly Pie
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when you are. Give your 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish a light mist with nonstick cooking spray—this ensures that none of that delicious cornbread sticks and you get perfect squares every time you serve Hillbilly Pie!
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet set over medium heat, crumble in the ground beef and toss in the diced onion. Stir and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 7 to 9 minutes. Take a moment here to drain off any excess grease—no one likes a greasy casserole!
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Seasoning
Stir in the drained corn, undrained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The tomatoes add juiciness and the corn brings bursts of sweetness. Let the mixture simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from the heat.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheddar Cheese
While the beef mixture is still hot, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s nicely melted and incorporated throughout. This step amps up the creaminess and richness—don’t skimp on the cheese if you want your Hillbilly Pie to be irresistible!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the beef mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it in an even layer. You want a nice, flat base so the cornbread topping bakes up evenly and every bite is as good as the last.
Step 6: Make the Cornbread Topping
In a medium bowl, stir together the Jiffy corn muffin mix, egg, and milk just until combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll have a tough crust. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture. Gently spread it to the edges with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cornbread topping should puff up and turn a gorgeous golden color. A quick poke with a toothpick should come out clean when it’s ready. Let the Hillbilly Pie rest for about 5 minutes before cutting in so the layers hold their shape.
How to Serve Hillbilly Pie
Garnishes
A big dollop of sour cream on top of your Hillbilly Pie is pure perfection. You can also sprinkle on a little extra cheddar, sliced green onions, or fresh cilantro for color and even more flavor. If you’re feeling spicy, a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa is fantastic too!
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty, so keep sides simple: a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables all balance the meal beautifully. For extra Southern flair, serve Hillbilly Pie with coleslaw or pickled okra on the side for a touch of tang.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress things up a bit, try baking the Hillbilly Pie in individual ramekins for easy single servings, or make mini muffin-sized versions for a fun potluck dish. For a rustic dinner party, serve straight from a big cast iron skillet for some country charm!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Just in case you have leftovers (though that’s a big “if” with crowd-pleasing Hillbilly Pie!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay tasty and fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors are even better the next day!
Freezing
Hillbilly Pie freezes surprisingly well. Cool the baked casserole completely, then wrap tightly in foil and pop it in a freezer bag. It keeps for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, just cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until hot throughout—usually 15 to 20 minutes for a whole dish, or individual slices can go in the microwave. The cornbread stays moist and the filling gets bubbly again, tasting just like it did fresh!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Hillbilly Pie?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute and makes the dish a bit lighter. You might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning, since turkey is leaner than beef.
What can I add for a spicier flavor?
If you’d like to heat things up, use a can of Rotel instead of plain diced tomatoes, toss in a chopped jalapeño, or simply add your favorite hot sauce to the filling—or all three if you’re feeling bold!
Is Hillbilly Pie gluten-free?
Traditional Jiffy mix contains wheat, so Hillbilly Pie as written is not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free cornbread mixes at most grocery stores and easily make that swap.
Can I add beans to the filling?
Yes! Drained black beans or pinto beans fit right in, lending extra protein and fabulous texture. Just stir them in with the corn and tomatoes before simmering.
How do I know when the cornbread topping is done?
Look for a deep golden top and a toothpick inserted in the center coming out clean. Don’t rely just on color—if the batter still looks wet around the edges, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a supper that’s simple, soulful, and sure to bring everyone running to the table, give Hillbilly Pie a try. It’s warm, filling, and a breeze to make—let this be your new go-to comfort food and enjoy every forkful. Happy cooking!
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Hillbilly Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Hillbilly Pie is a classic Southern comfort food dish that combines savory ground beef and vegetables topped with a golden cornbread crust. This hearty and easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook the beef filling: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add corn, tomatoes, seasonings, and cheese. Simmer briefly and then pour into the baking dish.
- Prepare the cornbread topping: In a bowl, mix corn muffin mix with egg and milk. Spread the batter over the beef mixture in the dish.
- Bake the Hillbilly Pie: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cornbread is golden. Let it rest before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Rotel for diced tomatoes for added spiciness.
- Try adding black beans or using ground turkey for variation.
- Serve with sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
