Deep Dish Chili
A hearty deep dish chili topped with flavorful cornbread, combining savory beef, beans, corn, and cheese for a comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Combine the cooked beef with tomato paste, water, corn, grated Cheddar cheese, chili mix, and kidney beans.
- Pour the chili mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the corn muffin mix according to package instructions.
- Spoon the corn muffin batter over the hot chili.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the muffin over and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chili mixture. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans can be substituted. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, replace meat with lentils or additional beans. To enhance the flavor further, sauté some onions and garlic before browning the meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the deep dish chili hot from the oven, topped with additional grated cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad on the side. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside Breakfast Sausage Sandwiches for a satisfying brunch or lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover deep dish chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep Dish Chili contains roughly 932 calories, with 44g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (175% of the Daily Value), protein (87% of the Daily Value), and iron (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1102mg per serving (48% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it with the corn muffin topping when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dish even tastier.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is a classic choice, you can also use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy twist, or even a mix of cheeses for added depth. Just ensure the cheese is grated for even melting.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using lentils or a variety of beans instead. Additionally, ensure that the chili mix and corn muffin mix used are vegetarian-friendly for a complete meal.
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).