Description
This Cornbread Chili Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining a savory chili base with a golden, cheesy cornbread topping. Perfect for family dinners, it melds seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and tomatoes with a moist cornbread crust that’s baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
Cornbread Topping
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, then add the ground beef. Cook and stir until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes.
- Simmer Chili: Add the drained chili beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning mix to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the Jiffy cornbread mix, milk, egg, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until just combined for a moist batter.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the chili mixture evenly in the dish, then pour the cornbread batter on top, smoothing it out gently.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chili mixture.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans.
- Ensure the cornbread is fully cooked by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
