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Cornbread Chili Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

This Cornbread Chili Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal perfect for family dinners. Ground turkey is simmered with onions, peppers, and aromatic spices, then topped with a tender, golden cornbread crust and baked to perfection. The casserole combines robust chili flavors with sweet and slightly crumbly cornbread, creating a satisfying and filling dish that’s easy to prepare and serves 8.

Ingredients

Chili Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 lb ground turkey (or ground chicken or beef)
  • 1 cup (130g) chopped yellow onion (1 medium onion)
  • 1 cup (130g) chopped bell pepper
  • 1/2 of a jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds and ribs removed)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 (8-ounce/227g) cans tomato sauce (or use homemade)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth (or vegetable or beef broth)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 Tablespoon (12g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Cornbread Topping Ingredients

  • 1 cup (120g) fine cornmeal
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk or whole milk, at room temperature
  • optional: 1 cup (170g) corn (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)

Optional Toppings

  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • sour cream
  • sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Sauté the meat and vegetables: In a large ovenproof skillet (about 3.5–4 quarts), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat for 1 minute. Add 1 lb ground turkey, 1 cup chopped yellow onion, 1 cup chopped bell pepper, 1/2 finely chopped jalapeño (seeds removed), and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the turkey is fully cooked, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add chili ingredients and simmer: Stir in 2 cans (8-ounce each) tomato sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes (drained), 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Preheat the oven: While the chili simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C).
  4. Prepare the cornbread batter: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup fine cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 large room-temperature egg, 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Fold in 1 cup corn if using.
  5. Assemble the casserole: Remove the chili from heat and evenly spread the cornbread batter over the chili in the skillet.
  6. Bake until golden: Bake uncovered at 375°F (191°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden and fully set.
  7. Serve and garnish: Spoon the casserole into bowls or plates while warm. Top with optional shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños as desired.
  8. Store leftovers: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave before serving.

Notes

  • Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or beef based on preference.
  • For a spicier casserole, include jalapeño seeds or add extra chili powder.
  • To make this gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Using homemade tomato sauce will add a richer flavor but canned works well for convenience.
  • Leftovers reheat best when warmed gently to prevent drying out the cornbread topping.
  • Optional corn in the batter adds sweetness and texture but can be omitted if desired.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/cornbread-chili-casserole-recipe/