Chili Cornbread Casserole – Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our Chili Cornbread Casserole recipe, a delightful combination of savory chili and golden cornbread topping. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, with a hearty chili base and a fluffy, cheesy cornbread layer on top. The aromatic spices and the perfect blend of ingredients make this dish a must-try for all food lovers. Get ready to experience a comforting and satisfying meal that will leave you craving for more!
Let me tell you a little story about how this Chili Cornbread Casserole has become a beloved staple in our household. Picture this: a chilly winter evening, cozy blankets, and the comforting aroma of a freshly baked casserole wafting through the kitchen. As the tantalizing scent fills the air, my husband and our little family gather around the table, eagerly waiting to savor this incredible creation.
With the first bite, we’re transported to a world of flavors. The rich, meaty chili with its robust spices, tender ground beef, and the hint of zesty tomatoes and green chilies create a sensational base. And as we dig deeper, the cornbread topping, with its cheesy goodness and slight sweetness from the cream-style corn, adds a delightful contrast and complements the chili perfectly.
This recipe has become a cherished tradition in our home, bringing warmth and togetherness to every occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, our Chili Cornbread Casserole never fails to impress. It’s a dish that brings smiles, sparks conversations, and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Chili Cornbread Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite?
- The Perfect Combination: Our Chili Cornbread Casserole brings together the bold flavors of chili and the comforting texture of cornbread, creating a harmonious balance that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with flavorful ground beef, aromatic spices, and wholesome ingredients, this casserole is a complete meal in itself, guaranteeing a satisfying dining experience.
- Cheesy Cornbread Bliss: The fluffy cornbread topping, enriched with cream-style corn and melted cheddar jack cheese, adds a layer of deliciousness that takes this dish to a whole new level.
- Versatile and Customizable: While the recipe is fantastic on its own, you can also personalize it by adding your favorite chili toppings like sour cream, jalapenos, or salsa, enhancing the flavors to suit your preferences.
- Easy to Make: With simple-to-follow instructions and readily available ingredients, even novice cooks can whip up this impressive casserole and wow their loved ones.
Ingredients:
Chili:
- 570 grams (1 1/4 lbs.) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 can (283 grams/10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, preferably RoTel brand
- 1 can (227 grams/8 ounces) tomato sauce
Cornbread Topping:
- 240 grams (8.5 ounces) corn muffin mix
- 1 egg
- 1 can (227 grams/8 ounces) cream-style corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) milk
- 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves, chopped
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and kosher salt until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add the diced tomatoes and green chilies, along with the tomato sauce, to the skillet. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Transfer the ground beef mixture to the prepared baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the corn muffin mix, egg, cream-style corn, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese, and milk. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended.
Spread the cornbread mixture evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on top.
Bake the casserole for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and fully cooked through. The mixture should be hot and bubbly.
Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor.
Serve your Chili Cornbread Casserole with your favorite chili toppings, such as sour cream, sliced fresh jalapenos, and salsa. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!
Notes:
- You can personalize this recipe by adding additional ingredients like diced bell peppers or black beans to the chili base for extra flavor and texture.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a delicious meal the next day. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even tastier.
In conclusion, the Chili Cornbread Casserole is a recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of chili and the delightful texture of cornbread in one irresistible dish. It’s a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly meal that is sure to satisfy both young and old alike. With its hearty and flavorful chili base and the cheesy, golden cornbread topping, this casserole delivers a comforting and delicious dining experience.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is a winner. It’s versatile, customizable, and easy to make, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of spices, tender ground beef, and the perfect balance of ingredients create a harmonious dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So, why not gather your loved ones around the table, savor the enticing aromas, and indulge in the warmth and satisfaction that the Chili Cornbread Casserole brings? Create lasting memories and enjoy a meal that is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household, just like it has in mine. Give it a try, and let this delectable casserole become a delightful part of your culinary repertoire.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili and cornbread topping separately in advance. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, layer the chili and cornbread mixture in the baking dish and follow the instructions. This way, you can save time and have a freshly baked casserole when you need it.
Can I freeze the Chili Cornbread Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Once it has cooled completely, cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer a lighter option or don’t eat beef. Simply substitute the ground beef with an equal amount of ground turkey in the chili. The flavors will still blend beautifully, giving you a delicious result.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and replace it with plant-based ground meat substitute or an assortment of your favorite vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. To make it vegan, use vegan cornbread mix and vegan cheese alternatives. Customize it to suit your dietary preferences!
Chili Cornbread Casserole
Ingredients
Chili:
- 570 grams 1 1/4 lbs. ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 can 283 grams/10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies, preferably RoTel brand
- 1 can 227 grams/8 ounces tomato sauce
Cornbread Topping:
- 240 grams 8.5 ounces corn muffin mix
- 1 egg
- 1 can 227 grams/8 ounces cream-style corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 60 milliliters 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and kosher salt until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add the diced tomatoes and green chilies, along with the tomato sauce, to the skillet. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Transfer the ground beef mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the corn muffin mix, egg, cream-style corn, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese, and milk. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended.
- Spread the cornbread mixture evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and fully cooked through. The mixture should be hot and bubbly.
- Once it's done, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve your Chili Cornbread Casserole with your favorite chili toppings, such as sour cream, sliced fresh jalapenos, and salsa. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!
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