Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chili portion up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. You can also mix the cornbread batter just before assembly. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire casserole, refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, and add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it.

How can I make this casserole spicier or milder?

For a spicier version, double the chili powder and red pepper flakes, or add a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use mild chili powder. You can always serve hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust the heat to their preference.

Can I use homemade cornbread instead of a mix?

Definitely! If you have a favorite cornbread recipe, feel free to use it instead of the Jiffy mix. Just prepare enough batter for a standard 9x9 pan of cornbread, which should give you the right amount for this casserole.

What's the best way to get clean slices when serving?

The key is patience! Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. If you're serving for a special occasion, you can even refrigerate the casserole for an hour after baking, then reheat slices individually for perfectly clean portions.

Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Name: Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 lb 90/10 ground beef; ½ cup carrot, small dice; ½ cup onion, small dice; ½ cup celery, small dice; ½ tsp chili powder; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp cumin; ½ tsp pepper flakes; 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes; 1 15oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 15oz box Jiffy cornbread mix (or make your own!); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup scallions, green ends sliced thinly

This hearty Chili Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together two beloved classics in one delicious dish. With layers of savory beef chili nestled between sweet cornbread, all topped with melty cheese and fresh scallions, this casserole strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just about 35 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that will satisfy the whole family while providing plenty of leftovers for busy days ahead!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Comfort Food: The combination of spicy chili and sweet cornbread creates an irresistible comfort food experience that’s deeply satisfying on chilly evenings.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything you need for a complete meal is right here in one casserole dish – protein, veggies, and bread all together!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this dish, making it a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare components ahead of time, making dinner assembly quick and stress-free when you’re in a rush.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The foundation of our hearty chili, providing protein and rich flavor. Use 90/10 for the perfect balance of flavor and less grease.
Vegetables: Carrots, onions, and celery create the flavor base (a classic mirepoix) that adds depth and nutrition to the chili.
Spices: Chili powder, black pepper, cumin, and pepper flakes build layers of warmth and complexity. Adjust these to control the heat level.
Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the acidic base for the chili while adding rich tomato flavor. The texture is perfect – not too chunky, not too smooth.
Kidney Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and that classic chili texture. Make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
Cornbread Mix: Jiffy cornbread mix makes this recipe super convenient, but feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe if you prefer!
Cheddar Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, golden topping that makes this casserole Instagram-worthy. Sharp cheddar works best for maximum flavor.
Scallions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful pop of green color that brightens up the finished dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Dietary Adaptations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for two cans of black beans or plant-based ground meat alternative.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix or make your own with gluten-free flour and cornmeal.

Flavor Twists

Southwestern Style: Add a can of corn and diced green chiles for a southwestern flair.
Tex-Mex Upgrade: Mix in taco seasoning instead of the individual spices and top with jalapeños.
Heat Seekers: Double the pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños to the chili for serious spice.

Ingredient Swaps

Meat Options: Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter version.
Bean Varieties: Try black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans.

How to Make Chili Cornbread Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Chili Base

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This usually takes about 8 minutes. Then add your diced carrots, onions, celery, and all the spices, continuing to cook for 3 more minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3: Complete the Chili

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the drained kidney beans, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer while stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. The chili should be thick but still have some moisture.

Step 4: Prepare Cornbread Layer

While the chili simmers, prepare your cornbread batter according to package instructions. If using Jiffy mix, this usually involves adding milk and eggs to the mix until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half the cornbread batter evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Next, carefully spoon all of the chili on top of this layer. Finally, dollop the remaining cornbread batter over the chili and gently spread it to cover as much of the surface as possible.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cornbread is golden and set. Remove from the oven, sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced scallions, then return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep them slightly firm in the chili stage as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Cornbread Spreading Technique: For the top layer, drop small dollops of batter all over the chili before attempting to spread. This makes it much easier to get even coverage.
Rest Before Serving: Those 5 minutes of resting time are crucial! It allows the layers to set so you can get clean, beautiful slices.
Taste As You Go: The chili is your flavor foundation, so make sure it’s seasoned perfectly before assembling the casserole.
Cheese Selection: Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A simple side of steamed broccoli or green beans also works wonderfully.

Topping Suggestions

Set out a selection of toppings so everyone can customize their portion:

Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Diced avocado
Hot sauce
Extra green onions
Pickled jalapeños
Chopped cilantro

Beverage Companions

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a cold beer, iced tea, or for a non-alcoholic option, a tart lemonade that cuts through the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either before or after baking:

Before baking: Assemble everything except the cheese and scallions, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months.
After baking: Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For frozen unbaked casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed (adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time).

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chili portion up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. You can also mix the cornbread batter just before assembly. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire casserole, refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, and add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
How can I make this casserole spicier or milder?

For a spicier version, double the chili powder and red pepper flakes, or add a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use mild chili powder. You can always serve hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust the heat to their preference.
Can I use homemade cornbread instead of a mix?

Definitely! If you have a favorite cornbread recipe, feel free to use it instead of the Jiffy mix. Just prepare enough batter for a standard 9×9 pan of cornbread, which should give you the right amount for this casserole.
What’s the best way to get clean slices when serving?

The key is patience! Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. If you’re serving for a special occasion, you can even refrigerate the casserole for an hour after baking, then reheat slices individually for perfectly clean portions.

Final Thoughts

This Chili Cornbread Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. The contrast between the savory, spiced chili and sweet, tender cornbread creates a symphony of flavors that never disappoints. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a requested favorite in your recipe collection!