Easy Chili Cornbread Bake: A Delicious and Comforting Meal

Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal to throw together? Look no further than this Chili Cornbread Bake! It’s the perfect combination of savory chili and sweet, fluffy cornbread, all baked into one satisfying dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you crave a comforting and delicious meal. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite chili ingredients and cornbread variations. This recipe offers a delightful experience that will be a mainstay in your recipe collection.

This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly simple. We will guide you through each step with detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your Chili Cornbread Bake turns out perfectly every time. From preparing the chili base to creating the perfect cornbread topping, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Chili Cornbread Bake

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** The combination of hearty chili and sweet cornbread is a classic for a reason. It’s warm, comforting, and satisfying.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by using different types of chili, cornbread mixes, or toppings.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** This bake tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping or using up leftover chili.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This dish is always a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinners.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Using economical ingredients like ground beef or beans, canned tomatoes, and readily available cornbread mix makes this a wallet-friendly option.
* **Quick Clean-up:** Since it’s baked in a single dish, clean-up is a breeze, saving you time and effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this Chili Cornbread Bake. This recipe is divided into two main parts: the chili base and the cornbread topping.

For the Chili Base:

* **1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken/vegetarian alternative):** Provides the protein base for the chili. You can use leaner ground meat to reduce fat content.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Adds flavor and aroma to the chili.
* **1 green bell pepper, chopped:** Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to the chili.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Essential for adding a savory depth of flavor.
* **1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained:** Adds texture, fiber, and protein.
* **1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained:** Another source of fiber and protein, adding variety to the bean mix.
* **1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained:** Forms the base of the chili sauce, adding acidity and moisture.
* **1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce:** Enhances the tomato flavor and adds thickness to the chili.
* **1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained:** Adds a spicy kick and extra flavor.
* **1 packet chili seasoning:** Provides a convenient blend of spices for the chili flavor.
* **1 teaspoon cumin:** Enhances the earthy and warm flavor of the chili.
* **1/2 teaspoon oregano:** Adds a subtle herbal note to the chili.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Season to your preference.
* **Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika:** Adds a smoky depth of flavor.

For the Cornbread Topping:

* **1 box (8.5-ounce) cornbread mix (such as Jiffy):** Simplifies the cornbread preparation, offering a quick and reliable base.
* **1/3 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang):** Adds moisture and helps bind the cornbread mix.
* **1 large egg:** Contributes to the structure and richness of the cornbread.
* **2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegetable oil):** Adds flavor and richness to the cornbread.
* **Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Adds a cheesy flavor to the cornbread topping. A small amount of creamed corn can also be added.
* **Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or jalapenos:** Adds a fresh bite or kick to the cornbread.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large skillet or Dutch oven:** For cooking the chili base.
* **9×13 inch baking dish:** For baking the chili cornbread.
* **Mixing bowls:** For preparing the cornbread batter.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Wooden spoon or spatula:** For stirring and mixing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious Chili Cornbread Bake.

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Base

1. **Brown the Meat:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef (or your chosen protein alternative) over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. **Drain Excess Fat:** Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. **Sauté Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Add Garlic:** Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. **Combine Ingredients:** Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), chili seasoning, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
6. **Simmer the Chili:** Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Topping

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare Baking Dish:** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. **Combine Cornbread Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk (or buttermilk), egg, and melted butter (or vegetable oil). Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Add Optional Ingredients:** If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or jalapenos.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. **Pour Chili into Baking Dish:** Pour the prepared chili into the greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. **Pour Cornbread Batter over Chili:** Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the chili, spreading it as evenly as possible. It’s okay if the chili peeks through in some spots.
3. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. **Cool Slightly:** Let the Chili Cornbread Bake cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Chili Cornbread Bake

* **Customize Your Chili:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the chili to your liking. Add different vegetables, use different types of beans, or increase the amount of chili seasoning for more heat.
* **Use Buttermilk for Tang:** Using buttermilk in the cornbread topping will give it a slight tang and a more tender crumb.
* **Don’t Overmix the Cornbread:** Overmixing the cornbread batter will result in a tough cornbread. Mix until just combined.
* **Check for Doneness:** The cornbread should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the cornbread is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the bake to rest for a few minutes after baking will make it easier to slice and serve.
* **Add a Layer of Cheese:** Consider adding a layer of shredded cheese between the chili and cornbread topping for an extra cheesy experience.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier dish, add more diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or add more beans and vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or carrots.
* **Use Leftover Chili:** This is a great way to use leftover chili! Just skip the chili-making steps and start with assembling the dish.
* **Elevate the Cornbread:** Enhance the cornbread by adding a touch of honey or maple syrup for a subtle sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This Chili Cornbread Bake is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

* **Toppings:** Serve with your favorite chili toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
* **Side Salad:** A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw is another great side dish that complements the flavors of the chili and cornbread.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like extra heat, offer a selection of hot sauces to choose from.
* **Guacamole and Tortilla Chips:** A side of guacamole and tortilla chips makes a great appetizer or snack to enjoy before or alongside the Chili Cornbread Bake.
* **Beverages:** Pair this dish with a cold beer, iced tea, or your favorite soda.

Variations and Substitutions

This Chili Cornbread Bake recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Meat Variations:** Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also use a combination of meats.
* **Bean Variations:** Use different types of beans, such as pinto beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables to the chili, such as corn, zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
* **Cheese Variations:** Use different types of cheese in the cornbread topping, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.
* **Cornbread Mix Variations:** Experiment with different cornbread mixes. Some mixes are sweeter than others, so choose one that suits your taste.
* **Spicy Version:** Add more diced green chilies, jalapenos, or cayenne pepper to the chili for a spicier dish.
* **Sweet Version:** Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the cornbread batter for a sweeter cornbread.
* **Dairy-Free Version:** Use plant-based milk and butter in the cornbread topping to make it dairy-free.
* **Gluten-Free Version:** Use a gluten-free cornbread mix to make it gluten-free.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This Chili Cornbread Bake can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Here’s how:

* **Prepare the Chili:** The chili can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat the chili before assembling the bake.
* **Assemble the Bake:** You can assemble the entire bake (chili and cornbread topping) a few hours in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freeze the Chili:** The chili can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling the bake. Let chili cool down before freezing and use an airtight container. Label the container with date of expiry for future reference.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover Chili Cornbread Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
* **Freeze:** While freezing the assembled bake is not recommended (the cornbread texture can change), you can freeze leftover portions of the baked dish. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

*Note: This is an approximate nutritional estimate. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Conclusion

This Chili Cornbread Bake is a delicious, easy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its customizable ingredients and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe has you covered. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying Chili Cornbread Bake!

Enjoy cooking and happy eating!