Corn Bread Chili Or Taco Bake
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining seasoned ground beef, corn, green peppers, and tomato sauce, topped with cheesy cornbread and crispy fried onion rings. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers a delicious blend of savory, cheesy, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Stir in the chili or taco seasoning mix, water, corn, green peppers, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
- Pour the meat mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the corn muffin mix according to package instructions.
- Add half of the French fried onion rings to the muffin batter and mix.
- Spoon the corn muffin batter around the outer edge of the casserole dish, forming a crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top, and add the remaining onion rings.
- Bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a hot chili seasoning mix. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re short on time, canned corn can be replaced with frozen corn, which works equally well. This dish also pairs nicely with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Corn Bread Chili or Taco Bake with a side salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing salsa or guacamole. For a heartier dinner, consider serving it alongside a bowl of soup or a side of roasted vegetables. This dish can also be the star of your game day spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place 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 retain the crust's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Corn Bread Chili Or Taco Bake contains roughly 485 calories, with 21g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (311% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 779mg per serving (34% 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 the muffin batter separately a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. This makes for an easy, convenient meal option.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a leaner option. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version, keeping the seasoning the same for flavor.
What can I add to make it vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, such as black beans and kidney beans, and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. This will keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
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).