Description
This hearty Chili and Cornbread Casserole blends the bold flavors of beef chili with a golden, fluffy cornbread topping—all baked in one dish. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners. Easy to customize and even easier to devour, this casserole is comforting, filling, and full of layered flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onions and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes with juice, drained kidney beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Pour the chili mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. In a mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread batter by combining mix, milk, and egg until just mixed.
7. Spread the cornbread batter over the chili base.
8. Optionally, sprinkle cheddar cheese either into the chili or on top of the cornbread batter.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve with sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.
Notes
Don’t overmix the cornbread batter—stir just until combined to keep it tender.
If you want a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the chili.
For a thicker chili base, reduce the simmer time or use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg