Warm, hearty, and utterly satisfying, Cornbread Topped Chili is the perfect one-dish comfort food that brings together the best of both worlds. A robust, flavor-packed chili made with ground beef or turkey, beans, and a medley of spices is simmered to perfection and crowned with a fluffy, golden cornbread layer that bakes right on top. This easy-to-make recipe seamlessly combines rich, smoky chili flavors with the sweet, tender crumb of cornbread in every bite. Ideal for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or when you're craving a warm, crowd-pleasing casserole, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it with classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for a meal that's as visually stunning as it is mouthwatering. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and an all-in-one baking process, this Cornbread Topped Chili is bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato paste, and kidney beans. Stir to combine.
Mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the chili simmers, prepare the cornbread topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the chili mixture to a large baking dish or leave it in an oven-safe skillet if prepared in one.
Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the top of the chili.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions, if desired.
Calories |
3624 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 152.6 g | 196% | |
| Saturated Fat | 59.9 g | 300% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 643 mg | 214% | |
| Sodium | 6230 mg | 271% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 428.0 g | 156% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 50.0 g | 179% | |
| Total Sugars | 86.1 g | ||
| Protein | 150.2 g | 300% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.9 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 727 mg | 56% | |
| Iron | 37.1 mg | 206% | |
| Potassium | 4718 mg | 100% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.