**Warm Up with Our Chili Cornbread Casserole! A Hearty Comfort Food Recipe**
Looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm you up on chilly days? Our **Chili Cornbread Casserole** is the perfect choice! With layers of savory chili, cheesy goodness, and a golden, fluffy cornbread topping, this casserole is an irresistible comfort food dish the whole family will love.
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### Ingredients:
**For the Chili Layer:**
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 packet chili seasoning mix (or homemade chili seasoning)
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup beef broth or water
**For the Cornbread Topping:**
– 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (or homemade cornbread recipe)
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
**For Garnish (optional):**
– Sour cream
– Chopped green onions
– Sliced jalapeños
– Fresh cilantro
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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
#### 2. **Make the Chili Layer:**
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the chili seasoning mix, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the frozen corn and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
#### 3. **Prepare the Cornbread Topping:**
In a mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to the instructions on the box (or your homemade recipe). Typically, this involves whisking together the cornbread mix, milk, oil, and egg. If you’re adding cheese, stir it into the batter now for extra flavor.
#### 4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
Spread the chili mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the chili, spreading it out into an even layer. If you’d like a cheesy cornbread topping, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cornbread batter.
#### 5. **Bake:**
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.
#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
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### Tips for the Perfect Chili Cornbread Casserole:
– **Make it spicy:** Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili layer for a spicy kick.
– **Vegetarian option:** Use plant-based ground meat or just double the beans and add extra veggies for a vegetarian version.
– **Customize the cornbread:** You can make the cornbread from scratch if you prefer, or add some chopped green chilies or jalapeños to the cornbread batter for added flavor.
– **Make ahead:** This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready. Simply store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
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### Why You’ll Love This Chili Cornbread Casserole:
– **Comforting and Filling:** This casserole combines the best of chili and cornbread into one hearty dish that will keep you full and satisfied.
– **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
– **Family-Friendly:** It’s a great dish for feeding a crowd and is loved by both kids and adults alike.
– **Perfect for Leftovers:** This dish makes amazing leftovers, so you can enjoy it for days!
So what are you waiting for? Warm up with this delicious **Chili Cornbread Casserole** and indulge in a comforting meal today!
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