Go Back
Savoury beef sweetcorn and cheddar muffin squares sliced on a dark platter with visible corn, peppers, and cheese.

Savoury Beef Sweetcorn and Cheddar Muffin Squares

A high-protein, Mediterranean-style savory bake featuring lean beef, sweetcorn, sharp cheddar, and Greek feta baked into golden muffin squares.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 245
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Savoury Beef Element:
  • * 1/2 lb 225g extra-lean ground beef (90/10 or lean mince)
  • * 1 tsp dried Greek oregano
  • * 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • * 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • * 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
The Wet Batter Base:
  • * 1 can 14.5 oz / 410g creamed corn
  • * 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil EVOO
  • * 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • * 2 large eggs
The Dry Batter Base:
  • * 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • * 1 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour
  • * 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup optional
  • * 2 tsp baking powder
  • * 1 tsp baking soda
  • * 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
The Cheesy Mix-ins:
  • * 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • * 1/4 cup Greek feta cheese crumbled
  • * 2 to 3 large jalapeño peppers cored and finely diced
  • * 2 scallions green onions, finely chopped

Method
 

Preheat & Prep:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or brush thoroughly with extra virgin olive oil.
Cook the Beef:
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned, breaking it up into fine specks. Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk the creamed corn, extra virgin olive oil, milk, eggs, and honey until smoothly combined.
Combine:
  1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until mixed (do not overmix; small lumps are fine).
Fold Mix-Ins:
  1. Gently fold in the cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, diced jalapeños, and chopped scallions.
Bake:
  1. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9x13 pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is deeply golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Slice & Serve:
  1. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then slice into 12 equal muffin squares.

Notes

* Storage: Store leftover squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or in an oven to restore the crisp edges.
* Spice Level: To make this dish milder, remove all seeds and ribs from the jalapeños before dicing, or swap them for diced green bell peppers.