Description
A hearty and comforting bake featuring a savory chili topping over a golden cornbread base, finished with melted cheese and your favorite toppings. This Loaded Chili Cheese Cornbread Bake is perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
- 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup canned beans (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
- Pour into dish and bake for 15–18 minutes, until just set.
- While the cornbread bakes, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beans (if using), and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Spoon hot chili evenly over the baked cornbread.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Return to oven for 5–7 minutes, until cheese melts and gets bubbly.
- Top with sour cream, jalapeños, and fresh herbs. Serve warm straight from the dish.
Notes
- Feel free to customize toppings to your liking.
- Can substitute ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- Ensure the cornbread is fully set before adding the chili.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Loaded Chili Cheese Cornbread, Chili Cheese Cornbread, Cornbread Bake, Cheesy Cornbread, Chili Bake, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner