Kickin Chili Cornbread Casserole

Kickin Chili Cornbread Casserole Southern Comfort Easy

By Diego HartSeptember 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Kickin' Chili Cornbread Casserole

Fancy a bit of Southern Comfort Classic goodness? Ever wondered what to make on a chilly evening? Let's dive into this chili cornbread casserole recipe! It's got a kick of spice and a comforting cornbread topping.

Honestly, it is proper lush!

Cozy Comfort Food: Your New Weeknight Hero

This chili cornbread casserole is all about that home cooked charm. It's inspired by the heart of southern cooking. We are talking about proper Comfort Food Recipe ! It's super easy to make, so it's perfect for a busy weeknight.

Prep takes about 20 minutes . Cooking time is 40 minutes . It feeds 6-8 hungry souls .

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Recipe

This chili and cornbread dish is brilliant because it's packed with protein. It's also great for sharing with friends and family.

Think Sunday lunch or a potluck! What makes this recipe truly special? The delicious combo of savory chili and sweet cornbread.

It is basically a hug in a baking dish!

Let's Get This Show on the Road

Ready to roll up your sleeves? We're diving into the ingredients now! It all starts with a meaty chili base.

Then, we're slathering it with a sweet and Savory Cornbread Recipe . Then top with loads of cheese. Sounds awesome doesn't it?

Alright, so you fancy making my Kickin' Chili Cornbread Casserole ? Ace choice, mate! This Southern Comfort Classic is proper lush.

It's an Easy Weeknight Dinner that’ll have everyone chuffed. Let's get down to brass tacks and talk ingredients and gear.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Comfort Food Recipe

Right, before we dive into making this Chili and Cornbread dream, let’s get our ducks in a row. Trust me, having everything ready makes life so much easier.

This Cornbread Casserole Recipe is a doddle, but a bit of prep never hurt anyone.

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to whip up this Ground Beef Casserole masterpiece:

Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . This is for sautéing the veggies. If you haven't got any, use your cooking oil.
Onion: 1 large , chopped. About 1 cup . Brown onion is best. But if you’ve only got red, it'll still taste pukka.
Green Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (approx. 1 cup ). You want a nice, fresh one!
Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . Look for a good quality mince, not too fatty. You can swap for turkey mince or even a plant based alternative for a veggie Chili Cornbread Casserole .
Spices: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) each of chili powder and cumin, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika and garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of a kick). Honestly, these spices are what make the Chili Cornbread Casserole .
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can (410g) , undrained. Get the ones with herbs in, if you can.
Kidney Beans & Pinto Beans: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) each, rinsed and drained. Don't skip rinsing! Nobody wants beany water in their chili cornbread casserole .
Beef Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) . This adds a richness you just can’t beat.
For the Cheddar Cheese Cornbread Topping:
All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g) . Plain flour is the ticket here.
Yellow Cornmeal: 1 cup (160g) . This is what gives it that lovely cornbread texture.
Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) . Adds a touch of sweetness.
Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . This makes the cornbread light and fluffy.
Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Seasoning is key!
Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
Milk: 1 cup (240 ml) . Whole milk gives the best results.
Vegetable Oil: ¼ cup (60 ml) . Any cooking oil will do the job.
Cheddar Cheese: ½ cup (50g) , shredded (optional). For that gorgeous melted cheese pull, of course! This Savory Cornbread Recipe is begging for a bit of cheese.

Seasoning Notes

Spice is right! A teaspoon of chili powder and cumin is essential. Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth. And don't be shy with salt and pepper! If you don't have smoked paprika regular paprika works also.

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy kit for this One-Pan Chili Cornbread .

Large skillet or Dutch oven: For browning the beef and making the chili.
9x13 inch baking dish: This is where the magic happens.
Mixing bowls: One for the dry cornbread ingredients, one for the wet.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is your friend here!
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and scraping.

If you haven't got a 9x13 baking dish, a slightly smaller one will do, just bear in mind that it will take a little longer to cook.

There you have it. Once you have the ingredient list together, it's time for the cooking instructions. See you in the next section.

Let's Get Cookin' with Chili Cornbread Casserole

Oh my gosh, you guys! Get ready for some serious Southern Comfort Classic vibes with this Kickin' Chili Cornbread Casserole .

Seriously, this is the ultimate Comfort Food Recipe . It's like a warm hug on a chilly evening. You know those nights when you just need something easy and satisfying? This Easy Weeknight Dinner is exactly what you need.

It's a One-Pan Chili Cornbread wonder, too, so cleanup is a breeze!

Prep Like a Pro

First things first: let’s get our mise en place sorted! Chop your onion and bell pepper. Then grab your beans and diced tomatoes.

For the cornbread, measure out all the dry and wet ingredients separately. This saves you a ton of time. Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position before you preheat to 375° F ( 190° C) .

From Zero to Casserole Hero in 8 Steps

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped green bell pepper until soft.
Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook. Break it up until browned. Drain off any extra grease.
Stir in 1 teaspoon chili powder , 1 teaspoon cumin , ½ teaspoon smoked paprika , ½ teaspoon garlic powder , and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). Cook for 1 minute .
Add 1 can of diced tomatoes , 1 can of kidney beans , 1 can of pinto beans , and 1 cup of beef broth . Simmer for 15 minutes . Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk together 1 cup of flour , 1 cup of cornmeal , ¼ cup of sugar , 1 tablespoon of baking powder , and ½ teaspoon of salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk 1 egg , 1 cup of milk , and ¼ cup of vegetable oil .
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix just until combined.
Pour the chili into a 9x13 inch baking dish . Spread the cornbread batter on top. Sprinkle with ½ cup of cheddar cheese . Bake for 30- 35 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Casserole

Don't overmix the cornbread batter, or it will be tough. For a little extra flavor, add a can of drained and rinsed sweet corn to the chili.

Want to prep ahead? Make the chili a day in advance, chill it in the fridge, then top with cornbread and bake when you're ready! Honestly, this Cornbread Casserole Recipe is a game changer.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions for the win.

Alright, so you're ready to whip up this Kickin' Chili Cornbread Casserole ? Ace! Before you dive headfirst into this Southern Comfort Classic , let's run through some essential bits and bobs that'll make this Easy Weeknight Dinner a total triumph.

Honestly, it's so straightforward, even I, a self proclaimed kitchen klutz some days, can nail it! This is the Comfort Food Recipe , mate.

Recipe Notes

This Chili and Cornbread dream is all about adaptability. So, listen up, and let's make this Cornbread Casserole Recipe your own.

Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation

Presentation is half the battle, right? For this Ground Beef Casserole , think rustic charm. Scoop a generous helping onto a plate.

Then, swirl on a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a pop of color.

On the side, a crisp green salad or some creamy coleslaw balances the richness. If you're feeling fancy, a spoonful of guacamole is pure genius.

This is a true One-Pan Chili Cornbread , so keep it simple and delicious.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chili Cornbread Casserole keeps well.

Fridge : Pop it into an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezer : For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Wrap them tightly in foil and then in a freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 2 months .
Reheating : Thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the cornbread might lose a bit of its lovely texture.

Variations: Tweak it to Your Taste

Fancy a change? No probs!

Dietary Adaptations : Go veggie! Swap the ground beef for plant based mince or a mix of lentils and chopped veg. Still tastes smashing.
Seasonal Swaps : In autumn, add some roasted butternut squash to the chili for a touch of sweetness. Honestly, you get the most incredible Savory Cornbread Recipe .

Nutrition Basics: Food Facts!

This is just a quick look.

Roughly, each serving clocks in around 450-550 calories.
Packed with about 25-30g of protein.
Provides a decent 8-10g of fiber.

These numbers are estimates, mind you. It'll depend on exactly what you chuck in. But hey, it's good to have a rough idea, yeah? This Cheddar Cheese Cornbread version is obviously a bit richer, but oh-so-worth it!

So, there you have it! Remember, cooking is all about having a go and making it your own. Don't be afraid to experiment with this chili cornbrea casseorle and have a laugh in the process.

Happy cooking, buttercup!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chili cornbread casserole ahead of time? Like, Mary Berry style prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chili base a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, when you're ready to bake, simply make the cornbread topping and assemble the casserole.

This is a great way to save time, especially during a busy week plus, the chili flavours actually deepen overnight, so it's a win-win!

How can I make this chili cornbread casserole spicier? I like a bit of a kick!

No worries, adding a bit of a zing is easy! For a gentle heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch more cayenne pepper to the chili base. For a more serious kick, you could incorporate a finely chopped jalapeño or two.

Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's hard to take it away, so start small and taste as you go!

I'm vegetarian! Can I still enjoy this chili cornbread casserole?

Of course! To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant based ground meat substitute or a combination of lentils and chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed since plant based alternatives might cook differently.

You'll have a veggie packed Chili Cornbread Casserole in no time.

How do I store leftover chili cornbread casserole? Will it still taste good the next day?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together even more overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day! Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

You may want to add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it from drying out.

Is this Chili Cornbread Casserole healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Chili Cornbread Casserole offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. However, it can be relatively high in calories and fat, depending on the ingredients used. To make it healthier, consider using lean ground beef or turkey, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding more vegetables to the chili.

You can also use a whole wheat cornbread mix to boost the fiber content. The recipe is a perfect base, and you can adjust based on your diet and preferences!

My cornbread topping always comes out dry! Any tips for a moist chili cornbread casserole?

Ah, the dreaded dry cornbread! Make sure you don't overmix the cornbread batter just combine the wet and dry ingredients until just moistened. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough and dry result. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid overbaking.

Adding a tablespoon of honey or sour cream to the cornbread batter can also help retain moisture. Using buttermilk instead of regular milk can also add moisture and a wonderful tang. No one wants a soggy bottom, but definitely no one wants a dry top!