Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! Our Chili Cheese Cornbread Casserole is the perfect fusion of hearty chili, gooey melted cheese, and golden cornbread that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. Imagine a dish so delicious, it combines all the flavors you love into one mouthwatering masterpiece that's guaranteed to become an instant family favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chili
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 box cornbread mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium skillet, sauté the diced onions and bell peppers over medium heat until they become soft and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, combining the cornbread mix with milk and egg. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the prepared chili into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer.
- Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the chili and cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly.
- Top the cornbread batter with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Slice into squares and serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade chili or a high-quality canned chili with robust seasonings.
- Don't overmix the cornbread batter - this can lead to tough, dense cornbread. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother cornbread batter.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the chili layer or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.
- Check the cornbread's doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or turkey chili and low-fat cheese.
- Serve with additional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
