Chili Cornbread Casserole is the quintessential comfort food, expertly blending two beloved classics: hearty, savory chili and golden, fluffy cornbread. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, promising warmth, satisfaction, and a delicious journey for your taste buds, making it an instant family favorite and a go-to for any gathering.
As passionate sports enthusiasts, our household often revolves around game days, especially during playoff season. This means countless hours glued to the TV, cheering on our favorite teams, and a constant craving for delicious, comforting food straight from the kitchen. Chili and cornbread have long been undisputed staples in our game-day menu, each bringing its unique comfort and flavor. It was a natural progression, then, to combine these two champions into one easy-to-make casserole. The result? A spectacular dish that effortlessly feeds a hungry crowd or provides a delightful feast to savor all weekend long.
Beyond its prowess as a game-day hero, this Chili Cornbread Casserole also shines as an excellent choice for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal that the entire family will wholeheartedly enjoy. Its “dump and bake” style, once the initial components are ready, makes it surprisingly simple to prepare, despite its rich and complex flavors. Simply set out some mugs or bowls, and let everyone dive into this flavorful creation. It’s a guaranteed winner, making mealtime a joyous occasion with minimal fuss. Its hearty nature makes it a standalone meal, though it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for added freshness and balance.
Why This Chili Cornbread Casserole Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion: Chili Meets Cornbread
Imagine the rich, savory depth of a classic, slow-simmered chili meeting the sweet, crumbly texture of a perfectly baked cornbread. This casserole isn’t just a simple combination; it’s a culinary marriage, bringing together the absolute best qualities of both dishes into a cohesive and utterly satisfying experience. The chili base, brimming with perfectly seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and tangy tomatoes, provides a robust and deeply flavorful foundation. Layered generously on top, the cheesy cornbread acts as a golden, comforting blanket, gracefully absorbing the chili’s complex flavors while offering a delightful contrast in texture. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, savory, and cheesy notes – a true symphony of comfort that delights the palate.
The beauty of this fusion lies in the interplay of textures. The soft, tender chili contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp, yet moist, cornbread crust. The savory notes of the chili are perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness of the cornbread, creating a mouthwatering sensation that keeps you coming back for more. It’s the kind of hearty dish that warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings or any time you crave a truly satisfying meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From Game Days to Weeknight Wonders
Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering, feeding a large family, or simply craving a cozy meal on a brisk evening, Chili Cornbread Casserole is incredibly versatile. Its crowd-pleasing nature makes it ideal for potlucks, Super Bowl parties, family reunions, or casual get-togethers with friends. It’s a dish that feels special enough for guests yet is approachable enough for everyday dining. Its hearty consistency means it holds up exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for entertaining without endless last-minute fuss.
For those bustling weeknights, this casserole is a true lifesaver. You can even prepare the chili component in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and simply assemble and bake when you’re ready. This thoughtful preparation frees up precious evening time, allowing you to enjoy a complete, wholesome meal with minimal effort. It’s a complete meal in one convenient dish, which means fewer pots and pans to clean, adding to its appeal as a practical and delicious solution for modern family life.
A Family Favorite That Delights All Ages
This Chili Cornbread Casserole consistently earns rave reviews from both adults and children alike. The familiar and comforting flavors of chili and cornbread are universally appealing, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find something to love. You have the flexibility to easily customize the spice level of the chili to suit younger palates, while adults can always enhance their portions with their favorite hot sauces, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or extra sliced jalapeños for an added kick. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying dish that naturally brings people together around the dinner table, fostering conversation and creating cherished memories over a shared love for delicious, home-cooked food. It truly embodies the spirit of comfort, community, and joyful family dining.
Crafting Your Chili Cornbread Casserole: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Let me walk you through just how quick and straightforward it is to bring this incredible casserole to life. You’ll be amazed at how easily these simple steps transform basic, wholesome ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will impress everyone.
1. Prepare the Simple, Yet Scrumptious Chili Filling
The foundation of this casserole is its flavorful and robust chili. Starting with a rich and aromatic base ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef with the chopped white onion over medium heat. Cook until the meat is fully cooked through and the onions have softened and become translucent. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor profile. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease, then return the perfectly browned meat and tender onions to the pan. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and salt until all ingredients are well combined and the spices are fragrant. Next, add the refried beans, chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and season with more salt if desired, adjusting to your preference. Remove the chili from the heat and spread it evenly into a 13×9-inch greased baking dish, creating a hearty and inviting base for the cornbread topping.
2. Whisk Up the Cheesy Cornbread Batter
Once your chili base is simmering with irresistible aromas, it’s time to turn your attention to the crowning glory: the cheesy cornbread topping. This isn’t just any cornbread; it’s specially designed to be moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, perfectly complementing the robust chili beneath. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: Gold Medal® all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Ensure they are thoroughly combined to guarantee an even rise. Next, create a small well in the center of the dry mixture. Into this well, add the wet ingredients: milk, a large egg, and a can of creamed corn. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cornbread. Finally, fold in the generous amount of shredded cheddar jack cheese. This cheese will melt into a golden, gooey layer, creating an irresistible and flavorful crust over the chili. It’s a simple batter that yields wonderfully impressive results, adding both texture and a creamy, cheesy element to the casserole.
3. Assemble Your Culinary Masterpiece
With both the flavorful chili and the rich cornbread batter prepared, the assembly process is incredibly straightforward and satisfying. Begin by ensuring your chili mixture is evenly spread across the bottom of your greased 13×9-inch baking dish. This creates the hearty, flavorful foundation for your casserole. Next, carefully scoop the cheesy cornbread batter evenly over the chili mixture. The key here is to spread the batter gently to cover the chili completely, extending to within an inch of the edges of the baking dish. This meticulous layering ensures that every piece of cornbread gets to soak up those delicious chili flavors during baking, while also providing a beautiful, uniform golden crust. Take your time to spread the batter smoothly so that no chili peeks through, promising a perfect balance of ingredients in every serving. A well-greased baking dish will not only facilitate easy serving but also contribute to a beautifully browned exterior.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
The final and most anticipated step is to bake your assembled casserole until the cornbread topping is beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through. This culinary magic typically takes about 40-45 minutes in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. You’ll know your Chili Cornbread Casserole is perfectly ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean, indicating a perfectly set, moist, and fluffy texture. To prevent any potential spills or drips from bubbling chili or cornbread during baking, it’s a smart precaution to place your baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet. This simple step helps keep your oven clean and hassle-free. As it bakes, the intoxicating aroma filling your kitchen will be an irresistible preview of the deliciousness to come! Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, letting the flavors settle and making it easier to scoop.
Serving Suggestions for Your Ultimate Chili Cornbread Casserole
Once your Chili Cornbread Casserole emerges from the oven, bubbling and beautifully golden, it’s time to gather everyone around for a truly satisfying meal. This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few simple additions and classic pairings can elevate the experience even further, allowing everyone to customize their perfect bowl. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a big spoon for scooping generous, comforting portions into individual mugs or bowls.
- Classic Creamy Toppings: A generous dollop of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a delightful creamy contrast and cuts through the richness of the chili.
- Extra Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend on top provides additional cheesy goodness that melts beautifully into the warm casserole.
- Freshness and Zest: Chopped fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions not only add a vibrant pop of color but also a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also add a delightful zing.
- A Kick of Heat: For those who love a bit more spice, sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, will provide that desired fiery kick.
- Crunchy Texture: Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos can add a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of savory corn flavor, enhancing the overall textural experience.
- Creamy Avocado: Diced or sliced avocado provides a cool, creamy counterpoint that balances the richness of the casserole and adds healthy fats.
With these customizable topping options, everyone can personalize their bowl to their liking, ensuring a delightful and interactive meal. You’ll undoubtedly have a happy and well-fed crowd, eager for second helpings!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Everyone
One of the many beauties of this Chili Cornbread Casserole is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and make simple substitutions to suit your specific taste preferences or dietary needs, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy this comforting meal.
- Vegetarian Delight: Easily transform this into a hearty vegetarian dish by swapping the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, or a robust mixture of extra beans (such as black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans) and finely diced sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or corn kernels. Just ensure your chili beans and refried beans are certified vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust the Spice Level: You have complete control over the heat! Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to control the overall spiciness. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture, or finely chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños. For milder palates, simply reduce the chili powder or choose diced tomatoes without green chilies.
- Explore Cheese Choices: While cheddar jack cheese is a fantastic choice for its meltability and flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheese varieties. Pepper Jack will add a subtle spicy note, Colby Jack offers a milder, creamy flavor, and a sharp cheddar can provide a bolder, more intense cheesy experience.
- Go Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in your cornbread batter. Always ensure all other ingredients, especially chili beans and tomato sauces, are also labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- Add a Smoky Dimension: For an extra layer of depth and a delightful smoky aroma, stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke into your chili mixture. This subtle addition can truly elevate the flavor profile.
- Cornbread Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the cornbread batter. For a more savory cornbread, stick to the original recipe.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Leftovers
This Chili Cornbread Casserole is absolutely fantastic for leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. To store any remaining casserole, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For individual portions, you can simply microwave them until warmed through. For larger portions or to restore that delightful crispy cornbread topping, reheat the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly throughout. Covering it loosely with foil during the last part of reheating can prevent the cornbread from drying out.
If you’re looking to prepare this dish ahead of time, the chili mixture can be made a day or two in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply warm the chili slightly if it’s too thick, then proceed with assembling the casserole by adding the freshly prepared cornbread batter just before baking. This ensures the cornbread is baked fresh, resulting in the best texture and fluffiness. This casserole also freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why This Recipe Will Become Your Culinary Staple
In a world bustling with complex culinary trends, the Chili Cornbread Casserole stands out as a beacon of comfort, simplicity, and incredible flavor. It’s a testament to how humble, everyday ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular and deeply satisfying. This dish offers the perfect balance of hearty protein, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome grains, all crowned with a delicious, cheesy cornbread crust. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long day, hosting a casual get-together with friends, planning a festive game-day menu, or simply seeking the ultimate comfort food experience for yourself, this casserole delivers every single time. Its hearty layers satisfy, its flavors delight with every spoonful, and its relative ease of preparation makes it a true weeknight hero and a weekend delight. Get ready to add this amazing, versatile, and utterly delicious dish to your regular meal rotation – it’s destined to become a culinary staple in your home!
Enjoy every delicious bite!
xoxo,
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Chili Cornbread Casserole
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5 from 1 review
- Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
Yield: 10
Category: Main
Description
Chili Cornbread Casserole is a crowd-pleasing casserole that combines the two comforting classics, cornbread and chili.
Ingredients
- Chili mixture:
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Cornbread topping:
- 1 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 can creamed corn
- 1–1/2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is cooked all the way through and the onions are tender. Drain off grease and return to pan. Stir in cumin, chili powder and salt until well combined. Add refried beans, chili beans, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring to a slight simmer. Season to taste with more salt, if desired. Remove from heat and spread chili evenly into a 13×9-inch greased baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the center and add the milk, egg and creamed corn. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Fold in the shredded cheese.
- Scoop cornbread batter evenly over chili mixture to within an inch of the edge of the baking dish. Spread batter so that it covers the top of the chili mixture without any chili peeking through.
- Place casserole on a rimmed baking sheet just in case it drips over the edges while it’s baking. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cornbread comes out clean.