A bold, hearty chili baked under a golden cornbread topping, made to warm the whole table on cold winter nights.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 45 min
Total: 1 h 05 min
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar-style cheese
Cornbread topping
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until browned and crumbly, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
Stir in the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, then add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring well. Simmer for 15 minutes until thick and deeply flavored.
Transfer the chili to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
In a bowl, whisk together the cornbread ingredients until just combined, then gently spread the batter over the chili layer.
Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until the cornbread is golden and cooked through. Let rest briefly before serving.
Nutrition Facts (approx, per serving)
Calories: 540 | Protein: 32 g | Carbs: 42 g | Fat: 28 g
Quick Facts
• one-pan bake
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
Let the chili simmer until thick before baking so the cornbread stays fluffy, not soggy.
Spread the cornbread batter gently to avoid mixing layers and keep a clean visual contrast.
Rest the casserole for 10 minutes after baking to help it slice neatly.
Variations
Spicy Firehouse Version
Increase the chili powder slightly and add a pinch of cayenne to the chili base. This variation delivers deeper heat and a bolder flavor while keeping the cornbread topping balanced and mellow. For a cozy and fiery touch on something sweet and simple, try the Valentine Chocolate Covered Strawberries recipe. It balances heat and comfort in a completely different way.
Extra Cheesy Cornbread Bake
Stir a small handful of shredded cheese directly into the cornbread batter before spreading it over the chili. The topping bakes with pockets of melted cheese, adding richness and texture. If you’re into warm and cheesy textures, the Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding delivers that same satisfying baked comfort in dessert form.
Bean Forward Chili Casserole
Add a second type of bean such as pinto beans and slightly reduce the beef. This version stays hearty while feeling lighter and stretches the dish further for family meals. Looking for more classic and filling recipes like this one? The Grandma’s Recipes collection is full of familiar favorites that bring everyone to the table.