Chili With Cornbread Casserole
A hearty chili with tender beef, flavorful spices, and a cheesy cornbread topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- salad oil ⓘ
- 2 lb. beef stew meat, cut in 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, diced ⓘ
- 2 large green peppers ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 11 oz. can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 15 to 19 oz. can red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 14 1/2 to 16 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bottled chunky salsa ⓘ
- 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 12 oz. package corn muffin mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a 5-quart pot over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of salad oil.
- Cook the beef stew meat, about 1/3 at a time, stirring often until browned on all sides; remove browned meat to a bowl.
- In the same pot, add diced onions and chopped green peppers; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chili powder, salt, and ground cumin; cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
- Add the canned tomatoes, whole kernel corn (drained), red kidney beans (drained), bottled chunky salsa, and hot pepper sauce.
- Return the browned meat to the pot; stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour to develop flavors.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cornbread topping by mixing the corn muffin mix with milk and egg until just combined.
- Pour the chili into a casserole dish and spread the cornbread batter evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier chili, substitute ground turkey for the beef stew meat or add black beans for extra protein. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add diced jalapeños. Make sure to drain the canned corn and beans thoroughly to avoid excess liquid. When preparing the cornbread topping, avoid overmixing to keep it fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
This chili with cornbread casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess. For a complete meal, complement it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. Browse more American recipes for a variety of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. The cornbread topping can lose its texture when frozen, so it's best to store the chili and cornbread separately if you plan to freeze it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili With Cornbread Casserole contains roughly 2470 calories, with 62g protein, 356g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (155% of the Daily Value), and calcium (134% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chili a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Just reheat it before adding the cornbread topping. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the dish's taste.
What can I use instead of beef stew meat?
You can substitute beef stew meat with ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if using ground meat.
Can I add more vegetables to the chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to the chili for added nutrition and flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are tender.
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).