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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Main Dishes

    Barbecue Cornbread Muffins

    August 1, 2022 by LaKita 48 Comments

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    Try these Barbecue Cornbread Muffins for a quick meal. Just 5 ingredients and 30 minutes are all that it takes to whip up these smoky, saucy, and filling savory muffins.

    If you're loving the combination of savory beef with cornbread, then be sure to try making a Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole. For another individual option made in a muffin pan, then try making a batch of Mini BBQ Beef Pies to share with your family.

    overhead view of barbecue cornbread muffins in muffin pan topped with melted cheese

    Sooo…

    I get asked often if I really make the recipes from my food blog and the answer to that is of course yes. But I do have a few of my favorites that I have been making for years and these Barbecue Cornbread Muffins is certainly a recipe that is on heavy rotation in my home.

    At first, it may sound a little weird, but trust me when I say that it really is the best combination of savory and sweet. It contains a slightly sweet cornbread muffin mix, topped with savory and smoky barbecue-flavored ground beef. Then it's taken to another level by being an individual muffin.

    It's hearty, comforting, and especially perfect for those times when you need a meal in a hurry. Plus it's family-friendly and ready in minutes...let's get started!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Instructions
    • Recipe Tips
    • Storage
    • Recipe
    • More Recipes You'll Love

    Ingredient Notes

    This recipe is very flexible and extremely forgiving when it comes to the types of ingredients used. So be sure to select your personal favorite ingredients for each category, but I have listed the ones that I use to make this recipe.

    ingredients needed to make recipe in separate containers on marble surface
    1. Ground Beef - Use any that you prefer, any will work with this recipe. I usually go with a lean ground beef option.
    2. Onion - Dice the onion into even pieces. Try using a yellow or white onion for this recipe or select the pre-diced version to save time.
    3. Barbecue Sauce - Go with your favorite barbecue sauce or any that you have on hand. Try to select a smoky or spicy version since the corn muffin mix is slightly sweet for a great blend of sweet and savory. My favorite barbecue sauce is Stubb's.
    4. Corn Muffin Mix - For this ingredient, go with your favorite, but be sure to check the measurements as this recipe only requires 8.5 ounces. For this recipe, I chose to use Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix.
    5. Cheddar Cheese - Use a high-quality shredded cheddar cheese or any that you prefer. Try using the bulk and shredding it yourself using a box grater instead of the bagged version as it contains fewer ingredients and melts so much better.

    Instructions

    Begin the recipe by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. and lightly spraying a muffin pan with cooking spray. Set aside. In a large skillet over medium-high heat add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook until the meat has browned and then carefully drain off the fat. Stir in the barbecue sauce until the beef mixture is evenly coated.

    barbecue beef mixture in large skillet

    Next prepare the corn muffin mix according to the instructions on the package.

    cornbread muffin mixture in large glass bowl

    Spoon in about 2 tablespoons of the corn muffin mixture into each individual muffin well. Top the muffin mix with the barbecue beef mixture and place into the oven to bake for 15 minutes.

    cornbread and meat mixture combined in muffin pan before baking

    Carefully remove the muffins from the oven and top each with 1 tablespoon of the shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Allow the muffins to cool in the pan before removing them. Top with some additional cheese if you prefer and serve warm. Enjoy!

    freshly baking muffins in muffin pan topped with melted cheese

    Recipe Tips

    • Use any onion that you prefer, but try to dice in evenly sized pieces. I find that any yellow or white onion works best.
    • Try not to overmix the cornbread mix. Just stir it until it comes together, it is okay if it is still slightly lumpy.
    • Use a standard size or jumbo size muffin pan. If using the standard size then you may end up with 8 to 9 muffins. If using the jumbo size (which I prefer), you should have 6 muffins.
    • Try not to use too much meat mixture on top of the corn muffin mix in the muffin pan. It may weigh down the muffins and make them spread out instead of rising in the pan. If this happens, then you can still enjoy the flat-top muffins, but they will not look as pretty.
    • You will have leftover meat mixture but should use all of the corn mix. Before serving simply top the muffins with the extra meat mixture.
    • Do not overbake the muffins or they will be dry. Allow them to bake for 15 to 20 minutes, this should be enough time.
    • When ready to reheat the muffins, try heating them in the air fryer for a slightly crispy texture. You may also reheat in the microwave but the muffins will be soft.

    Storage

    If you have any leftovers, then be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat them in the microwave to make them warm all the way through but soft. To make them slightly crispy again, reheat them in the air fryer instead for a few minutes.

    Recipe

    close up side view of single muffin on white plate with more in muffin pan in the background

    Barbecue Cornbread Muffins

    LaKita Anderson
    Try these Barbecue Cornbread Muffins for a quick meal. Just 5 ingredients and 30 minutes are all that it takes to whip up these smoky, saucy, and filling savory muffins.
    4.74 from 38 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
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    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 463 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Jumbo Muffin Pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • ΒΌ cup onion, diced
    • ΒΎ cup barbecue sauce
    • Β½ teaspoon salt
    • ΒΌ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ΒΌ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 package (8.5 oz.) corn muffin mix
    • Β½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. (*the Jiffy package states 400 degrees F. but please ignore that) and lightly spray a muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray or use muffin liners.
    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add in the 1 pound of ground beef and ΒΌ cup of diced onions. Stir and cook until the meat has browned and then carefully drain off the excess fat if needed.
    • Stir in the ΒΎ cup barbecue sauce until the beef mixture is evenly coated. Stir in the Β½ teaspoon salt, ΒΌ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ΒΌ teaspoon garlic powder until combined. Turn off the heat and set the skillet aside.
    • Prepare the 8.5 ounces of corn muffin mix according to the instructions on the package.
    • Spoon in about 2 tablespoons of the corn muffin mixture into each individual muffin well.
    • Top the muffin mixture with about 2 tablespoons of the barbecue beef mixture and place into the oven to bake for 15 minutes.
    • Remove the muffins from the oven and top each with 1 tablespoon of the shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
    • Carefully remove from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 3 to 4 minutes before removing from the pan.
    • Top with additional cheese if you prefer and serve warm. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Use any onion that you prefer, but try to dice in evenly sized pieces. I find that any yellow or white onion works best.
    • Try not to overmix the cornbread mix. Just stir it until it comes together, it is okay if it is still slightly lumpy.
    • Use a standard size or jumbo size muffin pan. If using the standard size then you may end up with 8 to 9 muffins. If using the jumbo size (which I prefer), you should have 6 muffins.
    • Try not to use too much meat mixture on top of the corn muffin mix in the muffin pan. It may weigh down the muffins and make them spread out instead of rising in the pan. If this happens, then you can still enjoy the flat-top muffins, but they will not look as pretty.
    • You will have leftover meat mixture but should use all of the corn mix. Before serving simply top the muffins with the extra meat mixture.
    • Do not overbake the muffins or they will be dry. Allow them to bake for 15 to 20 minutes, this should be enough time. Bake at 350 degrees F. and not 400 degrees F. as the package states. 
    • When ready to reheat the muffins, try heating them in the air fryer for a slightly crispy texture. You may also reheat in the microwave but the muffins will be soft.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 463kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 18gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 1003mgPotassium: 352mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 221IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 3mg

    *All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Keyword barbecue cornbread muffins
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SimplyLaKita or tag #SimplyLakita

    Original post date 09/29/2017. Updated 08/01/2022.

    close up side view of single cornbread muffin on white plate

    More Recipes You'll Love

    • Mini BBQ Beef Pies
    • Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
    • BBQ Chicken Sliders
    • BBQ French Bread Pizza

    Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use these Barbecue Corn Muffins? Please share them in the comments below!


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary

      September 30, 2017 at 3:16 pm

      I like pretty much any recipe that has 5 ingredients, that means I can't mess it up... hopefully lol. I'm happy you found a mastermind group. Working for yourself is very hard, I have my ups and downs, my good days and bad, but having a good support group is always beneficial to entrepreneurs like us! I'm very proud of my friend, if you ever need someone to talk too I'm also here. I'll be in the look out for mid-day munchines.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        October 09, 2017 at 7:06 pm

        Thank you!! That is so true...having support as a solopreneur is so important. It can get pretty lonely around here.

        Reply
    2. Tamara

      October 06, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      This is so creative. I remember last year my mother-in-law made cornbread that was a bit spicy and with cheese, and I thought, "Wow, that's one way to up it." I love the upgrades and making meals out of cornbread. YUM.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        October 09, 2017 at 7:07 pm

        Thank you! Spicy and cheesy cornbread sounds like my kind of recipe πŸ™‚

        Reply
        • Janet Weisbrod

          December 21, 2020 at 6:50 pm

          5 stars
          love this...I double it and bake it in a 9Γ— 13 pan.

          Reply
          • LaKita

            December 23, 2020 at 1:17 pm

            Glad you enjoyed it, love that you made it in a 9x13 inch pan!!!

            Reply
        • Damian

          December 08, 2021 at 6:48 pm

          What's a good side dish for this?

          Reply
          • LaKita

            December 13, 2021 at 3:24 pm

            Really any that you prefer. Try pairing it with a side salad, green beans or some potato salad and baked beans. Hope this helps!

            Reply
    3. Sonya

      October 07, 2017 at 11:16 am

      These cornbread muffins look delicious!!! πŸ™‚
      Your son looks a lot like you.
      I'm happy to hear that you have so many exciting things in the works. Photographing a cookbook sounds really exciting and I know it will be beautiful because your pictures are always gorgeous.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        October 09, 2017 at 7:08 pm

        Aww...Thank you so much Sonya! We get that a lot πŸ™‚

        Reply
    4. Akaleistar

      October 10, 2017 at 4:32 pm

      Yummy! Those muffins look like a bite sized meal πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • LaKita

        October 11, 2017 at 8:27 pm

        Thank you...they really are πŸ™‚

        Reply
    5. Elysa

      September 02, 2020 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      The directions on the muffin box said 400Β° but i followed the recipe. It didn't cook fully. I added about 4 extra minutes and it was fine. And absolutely fabulous!
      (Update from last review. please disregard it.)

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 04, 2020 at 9:13 am

        Hi Elysa! Thank you. I will be sure to update the recipe to note the difference.

        Reply
    6. Shannon Holand

      October 10, 2020 at 10:14 pm

      5 stars
      I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved these muffins! I'm not big on bbq sauce but thought I would give them a try. I didn't have a cornbread mix so I mixed up 1/2 batch of my own recipe which is a lot more work but it was so worth it. With the onion, red pepper, jalapeno, cream corn, a touch of sugar and sour cream they were so flavourful. I will find cornbread muffin mix to have on hand when I want to make this the quick way just so I can compare. Wondering if you can recommend the best way to reheat these as the microwave took away the crispness of the cornbread.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        October 15, 2020 at 12:32 pm

        Hi Shannon, Glad you enjoyed them! Love hearing about your changes. Reheating will not keep the crispness unfortunately.

        Reply
        • Nancy

          March 25, 2021 at 9:15 am

          Try reheating in an AIR FRYER to keep them crisp, and not microwave soggy/tough.

          Reply
          • LaKita

            March 31, 2021 at 10:39 am

            Great idea!! Thank you for sharing!!

            Reply
          • Heather

            June 09, 2022 at 12:54 pm

            Love reheating in the airfryer it’s perfect for all sorts of creations

            Reply
            • LaKita

              June 13, 2022 at 11:13 am

              Thank you Heather! I agree, the air fryer is so perfect for all sorts of food items πŸ™‚

    7. Kelly Hodgins

      October 20, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight, and my kids and I loved it! I served it with a pickle and cottage cheese. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        October 21, 2020 at 10:23 am

        Thank you Kelly! Glad it was a hit with you and your family!

        Reply
    8. Sunny D

      December 14, 2020 at 7:00 pm

      5 stars
      In the words of my 10-year old: "These look kind of odd and the idea sounds strange, but they're really, really good!" Everyone in my family loved these -- even the five year old picky eater. Thanks!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        December 21, 2020 at 6:16 pm

        I'm so happy to hear that!!!!

        Reply
    9. Heather

      June 18, 2021 at 6:06 pm

      5 stars
      These are a hit with my teen! Making this for the second time in two weeks tonight. I use a honey cornbread mix that we like.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        June 22, 2021 at 5:28 pm

        Awesome! So glad to hear and honey cornbread sounds delicious!

        Reply
    10. Amy Liu Dong

      August 03, 2022 at 10:41 am

      5 stars
      This muffin recipe looks yummy! I love the unique concept of this recipe, it's just so innovative. Loved it!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 04, 2022 at 2:49 pm

        Thank you so much Amy!

        Reply
    11. veenaazmanov

      August 03, 2022 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      This is definitely unique and a perfect Breakfast dish. Looks moist and tempting and delicious for sure. Weekend Breakfast special for my loved ones.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 04, 2022 at 2:50 pm

        Thank you, never thought to have these for breakfast but a great lunch or dinner option for sure!

        Reply
    12. Amanda Mason

      August 03, 2022 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      These were so fantastic!! I mean so good! What a great recipe! Loved every bite and these were really easy to make! Great recipe!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 04, 2022 at 2:51 pm

        Thank you so much Amanda, definitely easy to make!

        Reply
    13. Megan

      August 03, 2022 at 7:08 pm

      5 stars
      these are so awesome! I would never have thought to make them with beef and barbecue sauce.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 04, 2022 at 2:52 pm

        Thank you Megan, it's a great unlikely combination!

        Reply
    14. Tristin

      August 05, 2022 at 11:59 pm

      5 stars
      These barbecue muffins were the star of the show! No one really cared about the rest of the food, just the muffins, lol!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 09, 2022 at 12:17 pm

        Thank you so much Tristin, that is great to hear!

        Reply
    15. Andrea

      August 06, 2022 at 8:29 pm

      This is the first time I've had BBQ corn muffins. They are great! Thank you.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 09, 2022 at 12:17 pm

        Thank you Andrea, happy to hear you enjoyed the muffin recipe!

        Reply
    16. Jenny

      August 07, 2022 at 4:21 am

      5 stars
      Please move to the front of the class. I love this barbecue cornbread muffin recipe. Who needs protein (grin)? Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 09, 2022 at 12:18 pm

        Thank you so much Jenny!! That makes me so happy to hear πŸ™‚

        Reply
    17. DEbbie

      August 07, 2022 at 11:16 pm

      5 stars
      These Barbecue Cornbread Muffins were so yummy , my whole family loved these. This were simple and so good. Thanks for a great recipe.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 09, 2022 at 12:18 pm

        Thank you so much Debbie!!!

        Reply
    18. Jamie

      August 08, 2022 at 1:02 am

      5 stars
      This is such a great idea combining bbq with cornbread! It was so flavorful and a huge hit at dinner. Thank you!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 09, 2022 at 12:19 pm

        Thanks Jamie, it is a pretty great combination πŸ™‚

        Reply
    19. Hayley Dhanecha

      August 08, 2022 at 4:49 am

      5 stars
      Love the fact that this recipe is 5 ingredients! Your tutorial is super helpful and led to perfect results!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 09, 2022 at 12:19 pm

        Thank you Hayley, we love a easy and helpful recipe here πŸ™‚

        Reply
    20. Tracy

      August 08, 2022 at 8:50 am

      5 stars
      My kids LOVED these! So glad to have stumbled upon this recipe to use a cornbread mix I'd found in the pantry. Such a fun recipe, will definitely make again!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 09, 2022 at 12:20 pm

        Thank you Tracy!! Happy to hear your kids enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm LaKita, a food blogger living in Northwest/Panhandle Florida. I love creating and sharing recipes that are simple to make and comforting to eat. Follow me for more delicious recipes.

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