End of Day Skillet Pot Pie

6 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 25 m Total: 35 m Beginner
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Fast, filling and delicious skillet pot pie with ground beef, mixed vegetables, black beans, and a Jiffy cornbread topping. This is a recipe I use when I forget to take something out of the fridge before I leave for work and come home and want something fast. Meat, vegetable and bread, all in one pan. My kind of meal at the end of a long day.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 cans mixed vegetables, drained
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onions to the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in drained mixed vegetables, drained black beans, water, and taco seasoning. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
  5. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a deep casserole dish (or leave in the oven-safe skillet).
  6. Prepare cornbread according to package directions (typically mixing the cornbread mix with egg and milk).
  7. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the top of the beef and vegetable mixture.
  8. If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheese over the cornbread batter before baking.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cornbread is golden brown and cooked through (a toothpick inserted into the cornbread should come out clean).
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my cornbread soggy on top?

A: Make sure the beef mixture isn't too watery before adding the cornbread batter. Drain the vegetables and beans well, and let the mixture simmer briefly to reduce excess liquid.

Q: Can I make this in a skillet without transferring to a casserole dish?

A: Yes! Use a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) and you can cook the entire dish in one pan. Just make sure your skillet is oven-safe and deep enough to hold the cornbread topping.

Tips and Techniques

For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can also customize with corn kernels or diced bell peppers if you have them on hand.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • ground beef: ground turkey or ground chicken
  • taco seasoning packet: homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika
  • Jiffy cornbread mix: any cornbread mix or make from scratch
  • mixed vegetables: frozen corn, peas, and carrots

Equipment Needed

  • Large oven-safe skillet or deep casserole dish
  • Mixing bowl for cornbread batter