Cornbread Chili Casserole is a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. This dish features layers of spicy chili topped with a fluffy cornbread crust, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for an easy weeknight dinner option, this casserole is sure to impress your friends and family. The best part? It’s quick to prepare and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. You can easily swap out ingredients to include your favorite vegetables or proteins. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, this Cornbread Chili Casserole makes a fulfilling meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive in and discover why this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Chili Casserole
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Cornbread Chili Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option; it provides the protein base for the chili.
- Canned Beans: Use kidney beans or black beans; they add fiber and richness to the chili.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes give the dish moisture and acidity; opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Chili Powder: Essential for flavoring the chili; adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Cornmeal: A key ingredient for the cornbread topping; choose yellow cornmeal for traditional flavor.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the cornbread; whole milk or buttermilk works best.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese adds creaminess on top when melted; use sharp cheddar for more flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
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How to Make Cornbread Chili Casserole
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Spices
Stir in canned beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, milk, eggs, baking powder, and half of the shredded cheese until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the meat mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread the cornbread batter evenly on top of the chili mixture.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the cornbread topping is golden brown. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top during the last five minutes of baking.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating some components overnight before cooking
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How to Serve Cornbread Chili Casserole
This Cornbread Chili Casserole is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chili filling in advance. Cook it up to two days ahead, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The cornbread batter can also be mixed a few hours before baking.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm individual portions in the microwave on medium power for about two minutes, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes until heated through.
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Suggestions for Cornbread Chili Casserole
Cornbread Chili Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cornbread Chili Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, merging the heartiness of chili with a fluffy cornbread topping. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, providing a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. With layers of spicy chili made from lean ground meat, beans, and tomatoes, all crowned with a golden cornbread crust, this casserole offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Customize it to suit your taste by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spices. This recipe is not only quick to whip up but also ensures everyone at the table leaves happy and full.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney or black beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess grease.
- Stir in canned beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper; let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal, milk, eggs, baking powder, and half of the cheese until smooth.
- Layer the meat mixture into the baking dish and spread cornbread batter on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown; add remaining cheese during the last five minutes.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes or adding jalapeños for heat.
You can prep the chili filling up to two days in advance for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg