Chili Corn Bread Casserole
A hearty casserole combining spicy chili flavors with moist corn bread, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving comfort food with a southwestern twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef chuck ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 (15 to 16 oz) cans stewed tomatoes, drain liquid from one can ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 2 (8 1/2 oz) packages corn muffin mix ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2/3 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef and chopped onions in a 10 x 10 x 2-inch dish, breaking up the meat and spreading it evenly.
- Microwave on High for 4 minutes, stirring several times during cooking.
- If using chuck beef, do not drain the liquid; if using regular ground beef, drain excess grease.
- Add drained stewed tomatoes (drain liquid from one can), tomato paste, chili powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the cooked beef and onions. Mix well.
- Prepare the corn muffin mix according to package instructions, adding eggs and milk.
- Spread the corn muffin batter over the beef mixture in the dish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20 minutes or until the corn bread is golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using diced bell peppers or jalapeños in the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper. Be sure to use a non-stick baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Chili Corn Bread Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a complete meal. For an extra kick, serve with hot sauce on the side. You can also enjoy it with avocado slices or sour cream to balance the flavors. For more hearty options, try serving alongside dishes like Burger Chili And Chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish also freezes well; wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Corn Bread Casserole contains roughly 373 calories, with 13g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1354mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and tomato mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole and bake it when you’re ready to serve. This is a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring any meat substitute is fully cooked before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add corn, black beans, or diced zucchini to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if adding extra moisture-rich vegetables to prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).