Cornbread-Topped Chili Casserole

 

Cornbread-Topped Chili Casserole

A heat, hearty dish with a highly spiced chili base and a fluffy cornbread topping. Perfect for comfortable dinners or meal prep. This version is vegetarian-friendly however can without problems encompass meat if preferred.

Ingredients

Chili Base:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced

1 zucchini, diced (optionally available)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to flavor

1/2 cup vegetable broth

Cornbread Topping:

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup all-cause flour

1/4 cup sugar (optionally available)

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based totally)

1/four cup melted butter or oil

1 huge egg

Instructions

 1. Preheat Oven:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Make Chili:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium warmness.

Sauté onion and garlic for 3–4 mins until gentle.

Add bell pepper and zucchini; prepare dinner 3 extra mins.

Simmer 10 mins till slightly thickened. Transfer chili to the prepared baking dish.

Three. Prepare Cornbread Topping:

In every other bowl, blend milk, melted butter, and egg.

Combine moist and dry ingredients till just combined. Do now not overmix.

Four. Assemble Casserole:

Spread cornbread batter evenly over chili inside the baking dish.

5. Bake:

Bake 25–half-hour until cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Serve:

Let casserole cool five mins. Scoop portions onto plates. Optional: garnish with shredded cheese, bitter cream, or clean cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne to the chili.

Cheesy Layer: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over chili earlier than spreading cornbread.

Vegan Option: Use plant-based totally milk and replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat nicely inside the microwave or oven; flavors enhance after a day.

It’s ideal for feeding a crowd or preserving for weekday lunches.