Print

Loaded Chili Cheese Cornbread Bake

Loaded Chili Cheese Cornbread Bake
Print Recipe

Loaded Chili Cheese Cornbread Bake is a comforting, hearty dish combining smoky chili, sweet tender cornbread, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this bake delivers balanced savory and sweet flavors with a gooey cheesy topping that satisfies all palates and skill levels.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili Base

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) beans (such as kidney or pinto), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chili seasoning (cumin, paprika, chili powder mix)

For the Cornbread Topping

  • 1 package cornbread mix (or homemade equivalent)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter (optional, as per cornbread mix)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chili: Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the beans, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  2. Mix the Cornbread Batter: While the chili simmers, prepare the cornbread batter according to package or homemade recipe instructions, combining the cornbread mix with eggs, milk, and oil if required. The batter should be just mixed to remain light and fluffy.
  3. Assemble the Bake: Pour the prepared chili evenly into a greased casserole dish. Carefully spoon the cornbread batter over the chili, spreading it evenly without mixing layers. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the cornbread layer.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and the cheese has melted into a bubbly, gooey crust. Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the cornbread batter to maintain a light texture.
  • Simmer the chili thoroughly to deepen flavor before baking.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
  • Grease or line the casserole dish well for easy cleanup.
  • Allow the bake to rest after cooking to firm up for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, cornbread, cheese, comfort food, casserole, baked chili, family meal, cheesy cornbread

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/loaded-chili-cheese-cornbread-bake/