Chili With Corn Meal Dumplings
A hearty chili with tender chicken, beans, and flavorful spices, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
- 2 cups Bisquick ⓘ
- 2/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 3 cups chopped chicken breast ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 2/3 cup canned diced tomatoes ⓘ
- green chilies ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz) can fat-free cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) can fat-free cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, garlic powder, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika to the skillet; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, diced tomatoes, green chilies, kidney beans, black beans, and cream of mushroom and chicken soups; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine Bisquick, milk, yellow cornmeal, and chopped chicken breast to make the dumpling batter.
- Spray a baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.
- Pour the chili mixture into the prepared dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter evenly over the chili.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until the dumplings are golden and cooked through.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you don’t have Bisquick, make your own by combining 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using leftover rotisserie chicken works great for the dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside Mama'S Pot Pie Casserole or your favorite cornbread for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili With Corn Meal Dumplings contains roughly 1624 calories, with 70g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (191% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value), and protein (140% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1523mg per serving (66% 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 chili in advance?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes! Feel free to substitute the beans with your favorites, such as pinto or navy beans. You can also skip the beans entirely if you prefer a meatier chili or have guests with dietary restrictions.
Is this chili spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The cayenne pepper adds heat, but you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely for a milder version. Additionally, serving with sour cream can help balance the heat.
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).