Chili Cornbread Casserole

Buongiorno, my friend!

Today, I’m sharing a recipe that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds – the Chili Cornbread Casserole.

A comforting dish that seamlessly blends the bold flavors of chili with the irresistible charm of cornbread.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
   Add chopped onions, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   Stir in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and chili seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Prepare Cornbread Batter:
   In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour the chili mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the top.
7. Bake to Perfection:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.

Serving Size:

This hearty casserole serves 6-8 hungry souls.

Timing:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Notes:

Feel free to customize the chili by adding your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Certainly! Prepare the chili and cornbread separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Expert Tips:

• Enhance the chili flavor by letting it simmer for a bit longer.
• For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.

There you have it – a Chili Cornbread Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Buon appetito!