Irresistible Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe for Comfort

When the aroma of warm, spicy chili cornbread casserole fills the air, it’s not just dinner; it’s an event. Imagine a golden-brown crust that crackles invitingly as you dig in, revealing a steaming, creamy interior packed with hearty flavors. Each bite is a delightful explosion of sweet cornbread mingled with zesty chili, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

I vividly remember my first attempt at making chili cornbread casserole during a blustery winter night. My friends were gathered around, and I wanted to impress them with my culinary skills. The laughter and warmth that filled the room as we devoured this dish created memories that still bring a smile to my face. It’s truly an ideal dish for potlucks or cozy nights in when you crave something delicious and satisfying.

The first time I served this dish, my friends declared me the “Casserole Queen,” and they still remind me of that fateful night.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option while still keeping all the savory flavors.

• Chili Beans: Canned chili beans save time and add rich flavor; choose mild or spicy based on your preference.

• Onion: A medium onion will add sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers not only enhance taste but also brighten up your casserole visually.

• Cornmeal: Opt for stone-ground cornmeal for that authentic texture and flavor in your cornbread topping.

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese works best here; it melts beautifully and adds creaminess to every bite.

• Milk: Use whole milk for richness; it helps achieve a moist cornbread texture that’s irresistible.

• Eggs: Eggs bind the cornbread together, giving it structure while keeping it fluffy.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Brown the Meat: Toss in the ground beef next. Cook until browned all over, breaking it apart with your spatula. Season liberally with salt and pepper for flavor.

Add the Beans and Spices: Stir in your chili beans along with any spices you’d like—cumin or paprika are fantastic choices here. Let everything simmer for about five minutes so flavors meld.

Prepare the Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, mix cornmeal, milk, eggs, and shredded cheese until combined smoothly. This is where things start getting exciting!

Layer Your Casserole: In a greased baking dish, spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom followed by pouring your cornbread batter on top. It should look like layers of happiness waiting to be baked.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the middle. The smell will drive everyone mad with anticipation!

Enjoying chili cornbread casserole is more than just tasting; it’s about sharing joy with those around you while indulging in comfort food at its finest!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chili mixture on the stovetop while preheating the oven. This ensures everything melds together beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor explosion in each bite.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add some black beans for extra protein. You can also throw in diced jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, keeping that delicious texture intact.

Sharing this dish at our last family gathering led to an unexpected cook-off challenge between my uncle and me—let’s just say it got spicy!

FAQ

Can I use canned chili for this recipe?

Yes, using canned chili can save time and still tastes great!

Is this chili cornbread casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze portions for up to two months without losing quality.

What can I serve with chili cornbread casserole?

Pair it with a fresh salad or cornbread muffins for a complete meal experience.

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Chili Cornbread Casserole

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Chili cornbread casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This hearty dish features a golden-brown cornbread crust enveloping a savory chili filling, combining spicy and sweet flavors in each bite. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, it’s an ideal centerpiece for potlucks and cozy dinners alike.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup stone-ground cornmeal
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; sauté onions and bell peppers until softened.
3. Add ground beef; cook until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in chili beans and desired spices; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, milk, eggs, and cheese until smooth.
6. Layer the meat mixture in a greased baking dish and pour cornbread batter on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let rest before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg