Chili Cornbread Bake
Chili Cornbread Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a cheesy cornbread topping. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this meal is packed with flavor and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in skillet, stirring until crumbly; drain.
- Add onion and pepper and cook for several minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in salt, seasoning mix, and tomato sauce.
- Spoon mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Combine muffin mix and evaporated milk.
- Spread the muffin mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 400° for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don't have evaporated milk, regular milk or a non-dairy milk can work as well. This dish can also be made with leftover chili for an easy twist, similar to Hamburger Baked Beans.
Serving Suggestions
This Chili Cornbread Bake is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be served with a side salad or cornbread for a complete meal. Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions on top for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with Creamed Chipped Beef for a comforting combination, making it a great choice for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Cornbread Bake contains roughly 307 calories, with 12g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1769mg per serving (77% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and cornbread batter a day in advance. Simply layer them in the baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just allow extra time in the oven if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as leaner meats may cook faster.
Can I freeze Chili Cornbread Bake?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).