Chili Cornbread Bake combines the hearty flavors of chili with the comforting texture of cornbread, making for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. This dish brings warmth and comfort to your table, effortlessly marrying savory and slightly sweet flavors that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
Why We Love This Chili Cornbread Bake Recipe
There’s something truly special about a dish that can serve as both a main course and a delightful comfort food. The unique appeal of Chili Cornbread Bake lies in its versatility; it’s not just a meal but a celebration of flavors and textures. The chili mixture, filled with ground turkey or beef, beans, and spices, forms a hearty base. Topped with a golden cornbread layer that’s cheesy and warm, it creates a delightful medley that satisfies your cravings. Whether you are serving it on a chilly evening or at a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to charm everyone at the table. Plus, the easy preparation means you can whip it up without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients about Chili Cornbread Bake
For the Chili Mixture:
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 16 oz can chili beans in mild sauce, undrained
- 15 oz cannellini beans or small white beans, drained
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 2 (8.5 oz) packages Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- 2 large eggs (adjust per package instructions)
- ⅔ cup milk (adjust per package instructions)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional for Serving:
- Thinly sliced green onion
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
- Tortilla chips
How to Make Chili Cornbread Bake Directions
To prepare this mouthwatering Chili Cornbread Bake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that when it’s time to bake, the temperature is just right. Next, take a deep 13×9-inch casserole dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray. This step is essential to keep your dish from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Now, let’s get cooking! On medium heat, grab a large skillet and coat the bottom with nonstick spray. Add your choice of ground turkey or beef, along with the diced onion and celery. As the meat cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small pieces until it’s fully cooked. Make sure to drain any excess grease to keep your dish a bit lighter and healthier.
Once your meat and veggies are ready, return the skillet to the heat and add minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Now, it’s time to add some moisture and flavor! Pour in the tomato sauce, undrained chili beans, and drained cannellini beans. Let the mixture simmer on low heat while you prepare the cornbread batter. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves mixing in the recommended amount of eggs and milk. Once your batter is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish.
Pour the cornbread batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then carefully spoon the chili mixture over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the cornbread batter.
Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 30-35 minutes. You want to keep an eye on the edges; they should turn a lovely golden color and the center should appear set. When it’s done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top. Pop it back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Finally, remove your creation from the oven and get ready to serve! The enticing aroma will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to dig into this hearty dish.
How to Serve Chili Cornbread Bake
When it comes to serving your Chili Cornbread Bake, you have a world of options to make this meal truly special. First, use a large spoon to cut into the bake and scoop out generous portions onto plates. If you like garnishing your meals, consider adding thinly sliced green onions and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and additional flavor on top. A dollop of sour cream also makes for a rich, creamy contrast alongside the spicy chili.
For those who love a kick, don’t forget to set out some hot sauce on the side! This allows everyone to customize their heat level according to their personal preference. Pair your Chili Cornbread Bake with a side of tortilla chips for added crunch, providing a fun contrast to the softness of the cornbread. The combination of textures will enhance the overall dining experience!
Expert Tips: Chili Cornbread Bake
To ensure your Chili Cornbread Bake turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips. First, when cooking the meat, break it up into small pieces evenly. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Drain any excess greases to keep the dish healthy while maintaining texture.
When mixing your cornbread batter, be careful not to overmix it. A few lumps are perfectly fine, and this will allow your corn muffins to rise nicely while baking.
If you’re looking for extra flavor, consider adding other spices to your chili mixture, like paprika or oregano. They can provide a nuanced depth that takes your dish to the next level. Consider adjusting the red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance; remember, you can always add more spice later, but it’s much harder to tone it down.
Finally, keep an eye on the bake in the oven as it can vary with different ovens. You want those edges golden brown, but not burnt. Lastly, ensure you have plenty of toppings ready for serving—these little additions can elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable!
How to Store Chili Cornbread Bake
If you have leftovers (though that might be a stretch!), storing your Chili Cornbread Bake is simple. Allow it to cool completely before covering the dish with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Cut individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can pull out a piece whenever you want a quick and fulfilling meal!
When you are ready to enjoy a slice again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven. This will help maintain that delicious cornbread crust on top while ensuring your chili remains hearty and flavorful.
Variation of Chili Cornbread Bake
One of the best things about Chili Cornbread Bake is its flexibility, allowing you to customize it according to your taste. If you aren’t a fan of ground turkey or beef, consider substituting it with shredded chicken or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. The key to a good chili is making sure it’s packed with flavor, so don’t skimp on the spices!
For a different flavor twist, try adding ingredients like corn, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes into the chili mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add extra layers—like jalapeños or black olives—for an added kick.
If you prefer a bit of sweetness to your cornbread, consider mixing in a bit of honey or sugar into the batter before pouring it over the chili. This creates an intriguing flavor contrast that many find delightful.
Each variation can make your Chili Cornbread Bake feel like a whole new dish, ensuring that you can keep enjoying it time and again without getting bored!
FAQ
What is Chili Cornbread Bake?
Chili Cornbread Bake is a comforting dish that combines a hearty chili mixture made with ground turkey or beef and beans, topped with a cheesy cornbread layer. It’s baked until golden and gooey, making it a favorite for gatherings or family meals.
What can I serve with Chili Cornbread Bake?
You can serve Chili Cornbread Bake with optional toppings like sour cream, thinly sliced green onions, cilantro, and hot sauce. Pairing it with tortilla chips is also a great idea for added crunch!
How can I make Chili Cornbread Bake vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version of Chili Cornbread Bake, you can substitute the ground turkey or beef with shredded vegetables, crumbled tofu, or plant-based meat alternatives. Adding beans makes it filling and delicious!
Can I freeze Chili Cornbread Bake?
Yes, you can freeze Chili Cornbread Bake. Slice it into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.
How do I reheat leftover Chili Cornbread Bake?
To reheat, thaw the frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This will keep your cornbread topping nice and toasty!
What are some ways to customize the toppings for Chili Cornbread Bake?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! You might like to add jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or different types of cheese on top. Fresh herbs and a drizzle of hot sauce can also enhance the dish beautifully!
Chili Cornbread Bake
Ingredients
For the Chili Mixture
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes or to taste
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 16 oz canned chili beans in mild sauce, undrained
- 15 oz cannellini beans or small white beans, drained
For the Cornbread Topping
- 2 packages Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (8.5 oz each)
- 2 large eggs adjust per package instructions
- ⅔ cup milk adjust per package instructions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional for Serving
- thinly sliced green onion
- cilantro
- sour cream
- hot sauce
- tortilla chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray a deep 13x9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cooking the Chili
- In a large skillet, heat some nonstick spray over medium heat. Add ground turkey or beef, diced onion, and diced celery. Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces until fully cooked and drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, undrained chili beans, and drained cannellini beans. Let simmer on low heat.
Preparing the Cornbread Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix according to package instructions.
Assembly and Baking
- Pour cornbread batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the chili mixture over the top of the cornbread batter.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until edges are golden and center is set.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Cut into portions and serve warm, garnished with green onions, cilantro, sour cream, and hot sauce if desired.
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