Easy Chili Cornbread Bake
Are you in the mood for a flavorful and comforting meal? Look no further than an easy chili cornbread bake! This delicious dish combines the heartiness of chili with the irresistible sweetness of cornbread. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. So, let’s dive right into the details and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish!
Preparing the Chili
Before we can indulge in the chili cornbread bake, we need to prepare the chili. Start by sautéing onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and golden. Then, add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Don’t forget to season with your favorite spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Adding Beans and Tomatoes
Once the meat is cooked, it’s time to add the beans and tomatoes. Whether you prefer kidney beans, black beans, or a mix of both, they will add a wonderful creaminess to the chili. Pour in a can of diced tomatoes and let the flavors meld together. Allow the chili to simmer for a while to develop its full richness.
Layering the Cornbread
Now comes the fun part – layering the cornbread on top of the chili! Prepare a simple cornbread batter by combining cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and milk. Spread the batter over the chili, creating an irresistible golden crust as it bakes. The contrast between the savory chili and the sweet cornbread is pure perfection!
Baking and Serving
Pop the chili cornbread bake into a preheated oven and let it bake until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting for dinner. Once it’s done, serve it hot with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Every bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Conclusion
There you have it – an easy chili cornbread bake that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family. The combination of chili and cornbread is a match made in comfort food heaven. So, why not give it a try and see for yourself?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables to make a delicious vegetarian version of this chili cornbread bake.
Q: Can I use pre-made chili instead of making it from scratch?
A: Of course! If you’re short on time, feel free to use your favorite store-bought chili instead. Just heat it up and proceed with layering the cornbread.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can! Let the chili cornbread bake cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat.
Q: Can I add extra toppings to the chili cornbread bake?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some popular choices include sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Definitely! You can prepare the chili cornbread bake ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to bake it right before serving to ensure the cornbread stays fresh and crispy.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ground beef or turkey, you can use ground chicken, pork, or even a meat substitute like tofu crumbles. The choice is yours!
Q: Can I adjust the spiciness level?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and chili powder to your taste. If you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
Q: Can I make individual servings instead of a large bake?
A: Definitely! You can use individual ramekins or muffin tins to create single-serving portions. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I serve this dish for a potluck or party?
A: Absolutely! This chili cornbread bake is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing. Prepare a large batch, cut it into squares, and watch everyone enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
Easy Chili Cornbread Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey , lean
- ½ cup celery , chopped
- ½ cup onion , chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper , ground
- ½ tsp cumin , ground
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans with chili gravy
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans , drained
- 2 packages (8.5 oz each) cornbread mix
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese , shredded
Instructions
- Cook the turkey, celery, and onion in a skillet on medium heat until the turkey is no longer pink, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the chili powder, black pepper, cumin, and red pepper to the skillet. Cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chili beans, and cannellini beans. Cook until heated through, approximately 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine the cornbread mixes, milk, and egg, mixing well.
- Spoon the cornbread batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Spoon the turkey mixture over the cornbread batter.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until the edges of the cornbread are nicely browned and the center appears to be set.
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- If desired, you can use a Mexican cheese blend instead of Cheddar.
- Note that the instructions for making the cornbread are specific to the mentioned brand. If using a different brand, please follow the instructions on the box.
