Cheesy Chili Cornbread Casserole
This Cheesy Chili Cornbread Casserole is a beloved one-dish meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings alike. Featuring a tender cornbread base topped with a hearty chili mix, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese, it marries comfort and flavor beautifully. The quick preparation time and simple ingredients make it an easy recipe to whip up, ensuring you'll have a satisfying meal that's sure to please the whole family. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream or jalapeños for that extra kick!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jiffy cornbread mix
1 (8 1/2 ounce) box (dry mix)
egg
1 (beaten)
sugar
3 teaspoons
milk
1/2 cup
prepared chili
1 (15 ounce) can (any brand, warmed)
shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (divided)
mild salsa
1/2 cup
onion
1 large (minced)
green bell pepper
1 (diced small)
chickpeas
1 can (drained)
butter
2 slices (for greasing dish (3 slices if using two dishes))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, sugar, milk, and Jiffy cornbread mix. Stir until just combined; the mixture should be slightly lumpy but well-integrated.
3
Generously butter your casserole dish (or dishes). Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Set aside.
4
In another bowl, mix together the minced onion, diced bell pepper, drained chickpeas, mild salsa, prepared chili, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
5
Carefully spoon the chili mixture over the cornbread batter, spreading it to cover evenly.
6
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili mixture.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown. Check that the cornbread is cooked through with a toothpick.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Chili Cornbread Casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chili Cornbread Casserole?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that features a tender cornbread base topped with a savory chili mixture, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese.
How long does it take to bake?
The casserole takes approximately 30 minutes to bake in a preheated oven.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Can I use a different brand of cornbread mix?
Yes, while Jiffy is specified, any similar 8.5-ounce cornbread mix will work for this recipe.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its bold flavor and excellent melting properties.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 8 servings.
Is this casserole spicy?
The recipe uses mild salsa and prepared chili, making it family-friendly, but you can add jalapeños for more heat.
Do I need to cook the chickpeas first?
No, you simply need to drain the canned chickpeas before adding them to the chili mixture.
How do I know when the cornbread is fully cooked?
You can check by inserting a toothpick into the cornbread layer; it should come out clean when the dish is done.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just ensure you use a vegetarian-labeled canned chili and a vegetarian cornbread mix.
What should the cornbread batter look like?
The batter should be stirred until just combined and will remain slightly lumpy.
Can I use homemade chili?
Absolutely, you can substitute the 15-ounce can of prepared chili with about 2 cups of your favorite homemade chili.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, generously butter your casserole dish or dishes to prevent the cornbread from sticking.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, you can easily add corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes to the chili layer for extra nutrition.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What are some suggested toppings?
Popular toppings include sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado.
Why is sugar added to the cornbread?
A small amount of sugar is added to enhance the sweetness of the cornmeal and balance the savory spices of the chili.
Can I use red bell peppers instead of green?
Yes, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are great substitutes and will add a slightly sweeter flavor.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk.
Do I mix the chili into the cornbread batter?
No, the chili mixture is carefully spooned over the top of the raw cornbread batter so it bakes in layers.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works fine, though freshly grated cheese often melts more smoothly.
What if I want a thicker chili layer?
You can increase the amount of canned chili or add more beans to make the top layer heartier.
Is it okay to use a glass or ceramic baking dish?
Both glass and ceramic dishes work well for this casserole; just ensure they are oven-safe.
Can I substitute the egg in the cornbread?
You can use a standard egg replacer or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, though the texture may vary slightly.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.
Can I make this in individual ramekins?
Yes, you can divide the batter and toppings into individual oven-safe ramekins; just reduce the baking time slightly.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one large onion, minced, to provide flavor throughout the chili layer.
Should the chili be hot or cold when assembly starts?
The recipe recommends using warmed prepared chili to ensure it heats through evenly during the 30-minute bake.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a larger 9x13 inch pan, though you may need to increase the bake time.