Cornbread Chili Casserole – Sally’s Baking Dependancy

January 13, 2023

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This cornbread chili casserole takes a basic hearty chili to the following degree by topping it with buttery, crumbly cornbread, multi function comforting dish. Chili and cornbread are every unbelievable on their very own, however they’re even higher collectively… like Sunday mornings and in a single day cinnamon rolls. This dish comes collectively simply, and you probably have an oven-safe skillet, it might probably go from the range to oven in 1 pan. This recipe is flexible, as nicely—use it as a base on your favourite add-ins and most well-liked spice degree.

chili in a black cast iron skillet topped with cornbread and sliced jalapeños.

This dish is simply what the physician ordered when it’s chilly outdoors and also you’re craving one thing heat and nourishing. Thick, wealthy, and hearty, this cornbread chili casserole satisfies the style buds and warms you from the within out. It’s nice reheated the following day, too!

I initially printed this recipe in 2016, and I’ve made it a number of occasions each winter since. I now add a little bit rooster broth to assist skinny out the thick chili because it bakes, and a little bit extra cumin and oregano. The recipe under displays that.

You’ll Love This Cornbread Chili Casserole

Cornbread + chili, the proper combo, collectively in 1 pan. (Like biscuit pot pie!)
Simple to make and prepared in 1 hour.
Hearty and filling chili, filled with protein, greens, and a great deal of taste.
Flippantly candy, crumbly cornbread topping.
No skillet? No drawback! You may bake it in a casserole dish or massive dutch oven.
Make-ahead pleasant, excellent for busy weeknights.
Makes sufficient to feed a hungry group, or present your self with leftovers (for even busier weeknights)!
Versatile, customizable recipe. See under.

cornbread topped chili casserole in cast iron skillet topped with sliced jalapeño.

cornbread and chili in white bowl with sour cream and cheese on top.

This dish has the hallmarks of conventional chili, however you possibly can change it up to fit your preferences, desired spice/warmth degree, and/or dietary necessities. For instance, exchange the bottom turkey with beef, rooster, a plant-based choice, or use extra beans; swap kidney beans for one more sort; and experiment with spices. However you’ll want to embrace the chili’s key flavor-makers: oregano, cumin, and chili powder.

I respect the flexibility of a recipe that has so many choices to swimsuit many tastes (like this quiche, for instance). Experiment just a few occasions to find your favourite model.

Key Chili Substances & Attainable Substitutions

Protein: I take advantage of lean floor turkey, however you should use floor rooster or beef as an alternative. See recipe Word for a vegetarian choice.
Greens: Chopped onion, jalapeño, and inexperienced bell pepper give this chili a whole lot of taste, and work collectively as the bottom of the dish. Be at liberty to make use of one other colour bell pepper and/or omit the jalapeño. You can too add 1 peeled and chopped candy potato, about 1 cup, while you prepare dinner these greens.
Tomato Sauce & Canned Diced Tomatoes: You should utilize canned or do-it-yourself tomato sauce—if utilizing canned, you want 2 8-ounce cans. You additionally want a can of diced tomatoes.
Beans: I take advantage of basic purple kidney beans on this recipe, however black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans work as nicely.
Rooster broth: Simply 1/2 cup of broth retains the chili from changing into too dry because it bakes within the oven. Be at liberty to make use of vegetable broth as an alternative, and in case you don’t have both, water works (however you’ll lose a little bit taste).
Herbs and Spices: Equal quantities of dried oregano, chili powder, and cumin create that basic chili taste; I don’t suggest leaving any out. This recipe is ideal for these of us who take pleasure in a teeny kick of fireside in chili. However in case you like super-spice chili, a little bit extra jalapeño and chili powder will do the trick. Style as you go and alter if desired.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient is a MUST. You don’t want a lot, however the small quantity balances out the salty, spicy, savory flavors all over the place else.

ingredients measured in bowls on counter including kidney beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chopped onion and green peppers, herbs, and more.

It is a 1-Pan Meal

You’ll prepare dinner the chili on the range earlier than topping along with your cornbread batter and baking. An oven-safe skillet is right, as a result of you possibly can prepare dinner the chili, high it with cornbread batter, and switch it to the oven. (Although you do want a mixing bowl to prep the cornbread topping.)

A 12-inch ovenproof skillet that holds about 3.5-4 quarts if the proper dimension for this recipe. Right here is the one I personal and love. It’s strong, hefty, and has lasted years of standard use. For those who don’t have a skillet this dimension, don’t fear. Merely prepare dinner the chili on the range in a big pot or saucepan, after which switch it to a frivolously greased casserole dish that holds at the least 3.5-4 quarts, reminiscent of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

You possibly can additionally prepare dinner the chili on the range in a massive dutch oven, unfold the cornbread topping on, and bake proper within the dutch oven.

Begin your chili on the range. The complete directions are under, however listed below are some pictures to information you alongside. The chili takes solely about 25 minutes on the range.

onions and peppers chopped on white cutting board and shown again cooked with turkey in skillet.

cooked chili mixture in cast iron skillet.

Combine the Cornbread Topping Collectively in 1 Bowl

After cooking the chili on the range (or whereas it simmers away), whisk the components for the cornbread topping collectively. Right here’s what you want:

Cornmeal & Flour: Identical to on this cornbread recipe, equal components effective cornmeal and flour makes the BEST cornbread—a lot of taste and a crunchy-edge.
Baking Powder: This offers the batter a little bit elevate within the oven, so the cornbread bakes up good and tender.
Butter: Melted butter offers this cornbread topping the very best taste. Whereas oil makes a young cornbread, it might probably lack taste. Since butter doesn’t make cornbread as moist as oil, I pair it with buttermilk.
Salt & Brown Sugar: Taste enhancers. I like a touch of sweetness in my cornbread—with out turning it into cake.
Egg: 1 egg binds the topping collectively.
Buttermilk: You may simply use entire milk if that’s what you have got, however buttermilk makes truffles, muffins, and breads further moist.
Corn: Together with corn within the topping is elective, however provides excellent taste and texture.

cornbread batter in bowl and spread into skillet.

Bake till the cornbread is golden brown, about 30-35 minutes.

Reader, Wendy, commented: “This recipe is wonderful and my household loves it! Earlier than I bake it, I dot the cornbread combine with some chopped jalapenos and purple peppers. It makes it look so fairly and provides the cornbread a slight chunk. ★★★★★”

Reader, Hannah, commented: “Simply needed to remark and say I’ve efficiently made this twice with gluten free flour (cup4cup as soon as and a do-it-yourself mix as soon as) and each occasions it got here out nice! It’s such a very good chili and cornbread recipe. ★★★★★”

This cornbread chili casserole is scrumptious served heat along with your favourite chili toppings, reminiscent of shredded cheese, bitter cream, avocado, and/or chopped inexperienced onions. I normally serve it with a crunchy inexperienced salad on the aspect, and dinner is finished!

serving spoon spooning cornbread chili casserole out of a black cast iron skillet.

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