Chili Cornbread Fiesta
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining spicy chili-seasoned beef with sweet corn and cheesy cornbread topping, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and crumble the lean ground beef; drain excess fat.
- Add chili seasoning mix, salt, chopped tomatoes, and whole kernel corn to the beef.
- Mix in the egg, milk, and cheddar cheese into the corn muffin batter.
- Pour the beef mixture into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with the prepared corn muffin batter.
- Bake until the cornbread is golden and cooked through, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. If you're out of cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or pepper jack can be excellent substitutes. You can also use a pre-made chili seasoning mix to save time. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is great on its own, but consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or some guacamole for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Steak Oscar for a hearty dinner. For a fun twist, serve it with sour cream or avocado slices on top, and offer tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chili cornbread fiesta in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will help maintain the cornbread's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Cornbread Fiesta contains roughly 1001 calories, with 42g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (83% of the Daily Value), calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1717mg per serving (75% 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 freeze the chili cornbread fiesta?
Yes, you can freeze the dish! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the oven until heated through.
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).