Chili Cornbread Pie
A hearty chili cornbread pie combining spicy beef, beans, and tomato flavors with cheesy cornbread topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can chili hot beans (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 envelope taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) pkg. refrigerated cornbread twists ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. plain flour ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop green onion and tomato for garnish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper until meat is browned; drain.
- Stir in undrained chili beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and taco seasoning mix.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Prepare cornbread twists according to package instructions and layer over the beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Bake until cornbread is golden and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onion and tomato, serve with sour cream and shredded Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a can of diced tomatoes or some jalapeños for heat. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or quinoa. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of cream cheese with the sour cream. Using Texas Style Beans can also add extra depth to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some tortilla chips on the side for added crunch. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it alongside baked potatoes or cornbread muffins.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cornbread from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Cornbread Pie contains roughly 1597 calories, with 45g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (90% of the Daily Value), calcium (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2012mg per serving (87% 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 use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, try using black beans or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat for a similar texture.
How do I ensure the cornbread is cooked through?
To ensure the cornbread is fully cooked, check for a golden-brown color on top and insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it's ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
What can I do if the chili mixture is too thick?
If the chili mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin it out. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to combine the flavors before layering the cornbread.
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).