Chili Cheese Cornbread Bake

Chili Cheese Cornbread Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup, your family will be asking for seconds, no doubt!

Comfort food lovers, rejoice! This Chili Cheese Cornbread Bake combines two beloved classics into one hearty, soul-warming dish. Imagine a layer of savory chili nestled atop a golden cornbread base, all baked to perfection and topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s a budget-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

As the aroma of spices and baking cornbread fills your kitchen, you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating the first bite. This versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day gatherings. The best part? You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer beef or turkey chili, or want to add extra vegetables or heat.

This innovative twist on traditional chili and cornbread has its roots in Southern American cuisine, where cornbread has long been a staple side dish for hearty stews and chilis. By combining the two, we’ve created a balanced meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritionally complete, offering a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables in every serving.

Chili Cheese Cornbread Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened about 3-4 minutes.

4. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add optional fresh or frozen corn if desired. Simmer for 10 minutes.

5. While the chili simmers, prepare the cornbread batter. In a large bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and sugar.

6. In another bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, and egg.

7. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

8. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter into the dish, spreading it evenly.

9. Carefully spoon the chili over the cornbread batter.

10. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.

11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

12. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

• For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the chili mixture
• Vegetarian option: Replace ground meat with an extra can of beans or plant-based meat substitute
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions for extra flavor

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1/8 of recipe

Calories: 420

Fat: 18g

Protein: 23g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fiber: 6g

Sodium: 580mg

Other Information

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Equipment used: Large skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish, mixing bowls

Estimated cost per serving: $1.75

Total cost: $14.00

In Conclusion, Chili Cheese Cornbread Bake

This Chili Cheese Cornbread Bake is a testament to the magic that happens when two classic comfort foods come together. It’s a satisfying, economical meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this dish delivers on flavor, comfort, and convenience.

More Cheap Cheerful food ideas here!