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Cooking StyleComfort FoodBeefDairyGlutenEggsChilisCasserolesBeefMealMashupBig BatchStove TopWinterWeeknightGame DayBakingKid-FriendlyDinner

Chili Cornbread Bake

This chili cornbread bake layers hearty homemade beef chili with a golden, slightly sweet cornbread topping for a cozy, all-in-one dinner. Seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes simmer into a thick, spoonable chili, then get baked under a tender cornbread batter studded with sweet corn. Finished in the oven until bubbly and crisp on top, this casserole-style recipe is perfect for weeknight meals, game days, or feeding a crowd with minimal cleanup.

Brittany Williams
Tasty Team
85% would make again
Total Time

1 hr 40 min

1 hr 40 min

Prep Time

15 minutes

15 min

Cook Time

1 hr 30 min

1 hr 30 min

Chili Cornbread Bake
Total Time

1 hr 40 min

1 hr 40 min

Prep Time

15 minutes

15 min

Cook Time

1 hr 30 min

1 hr 30 min

Ingredients

for 6 servings

Chili:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb lean (85/15) ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder, plus more to taste
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomato, undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney bean, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar (optional)

Cornbread Batter:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup medium-grind yellow cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ¼ cup frozen sweet corn

Additional Ingredients:

  • sour cream, for serving (optional)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or green onion, for serving (optional)

Nutrition Info

  • Calories 531
  • Fat 18g
  • Carbs 64g
  • Fiber 7g
  • Sugar 13g
  • Protein 33g

Estimated values based on one serving size.

Preparation

  1. Make the chili: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium for 30 seconds. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic. Cook, stirring often, for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  3. Increase the heat under the onion mixture to medium-high. Add the beef, breaking it up so it’s evenly covering the bottom of the pot. Let cook, undisturbed, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir the mixture, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and no pink remains.
  4. Stir the chili powder, cumin, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika into the beef mixture. Cook, stirring often, for about 30 seconds, or until the spices are evenly distributed.
  5. Stir the crushed tomatoes with juices, beans, and broth into the beef mixture. Bring to a gentle boil over high heat, and let boil for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thick and spoonable, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the red wine vinegar, if using. Taste and add more chili powder, if desired.
  6. While the chili cooks, make the cornbread batter: Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the egg and milk to the well, and whisk them together. Stir the honey into the egg mixture in the well. Add the melted butter, and stir everything together in the bowl just until combined. Fold in the frozen corn. Set aside until ready to use.
  7. Spoon the chili evenly into a 3-quart baking dish. Spoon the cornbread batter over the top, and gently spread it into an even layer.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden. Remove from the oven, and let cool for 10 minutes. Scoop the casserole evenly into 6 bowls. Top with sour cream and cilantro, if desired.
  9. Enjoy!
  10. Cook smarter, not harder. Use our AI chef Botatouille on the Tasty app. Download now.

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