Cornbread Topped Chili Pie Recipe

Jul 14, 2025July 14, 20251 14
A Classic Bold, Hearty & Satisfying Chile Madness
in Baking, Dinner

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

50 mins

Servings

6–8

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

For the Chili
1 tbsp olive oil
1 Diced medium onion
2 Minced cloves garlic
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 diced jalapeño or chipotle pepper for heat
For the Cornbread Topping
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Calories:
~360
Protein:
20g
Fat:
15g
Carbs:
30g
Fiber:
6g

Kitchen Tools Needed

Cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan
2 Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups & spoons
Wooden spoon
Oven

Benefits of This Recipe

Balanced Meal:
It is a fully balanced meal that includes complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.
Adaptable:
You can replace meat with lentils and use only cornmeal as a gluten-free topping.
Cost-effective:
You can prepare it for the entire family for less than $15.

Storage Tips

Fridge:
You can store it in fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer:
You can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
You can reheat it oven or microwave whenever you want to eat.
Imagine a fluffy cornbread that is rich and filled with warm skillet, meaty chili, and topped with golden cheese. This is exactly what you’ll enjoy having this Cornbread-Topped Chili Pie,...

Instructions

1.Make the Chili Base
2.
3.Take a skillet, then pour the oil for heating on medium heat, and then add onions and garlic. Cook until soft.
4.Add ground beef or turkey what you have choose. Brown and break apart.
5.Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
6.Add and mix the beans, tomatoes, and jalapeño, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. To taste, add seasoning.
7.
8.Prepare Cornbread Batter
9.
10.In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
11.In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Then, combine all the other wet and dry ingredients and thoroughly mix.
12.Add shredded cheese to the batter and stir to add a cheesy touch.
13.
14.Assemble & Bake
15.
16.In the first step, to begin, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
17.In the second step, is to evenly cover the chili in the skillet with cornbread batter.
18.In the third step, bake prepared Cornbread for 25–30 minutes without covering or until the top gets golden and on trying a toothpick comes out clean.
19.Pro Tip: To give it a bubbly finish sprinkle extra cheese on the top in the last 5 minutes.

Imagine a fluffy cornbread that is rich and filled with warm skillet, meaty chili, and topped with golden cheese. This is exactly what you’ll enjoy having this Cornbread-Topped Chili Pie, which gives you the blend of spicy satisfaction with cozy comfort, and makes it a beloved favorite of Chile Madness.

Making of Cornbread-Topped Chili Pie is very easy, and it is a family-friendly dish which is perfect for chilly & spicy evenings, potlucks, or even when you are craving a soul-soothing one-pan meal. Let’s discuss a brief history in the next paragraph.

A Bite of History – Where It All Started

Did you know that the idea of topping chili with cornbread came from the families of the American Southwest who wanted to have a full meal in one pan? It’s smoky, and spicy notes make it famous among chiliheads, and Chile Madness is known for its bold use of chilies in its making.

This Cornbread-Topped Chili Pie Recipe pays a tribute to that flaming tradition by combining homemade cornbread with strong chili and baking it to bubbling perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It is a Comfort Food that meets spice – Warm, cheesy, and rich in flavor.
  • It is a One-Pan Wonder Recipe – Less messy, more enjoyment.
  • It is a Friendly Meal – On busy weekdays, just reheat and enjoy.

Key Points

  • Cornbread Topped Chili Pie contains protein, fiber, and healthy carbs, making it a balanced meal.
  • It is a complete meal for dinner, for gatherings, and even for game nights.
  • Kids love eating Cornbread-Topped Chili Pie when you add less spice, and people like me who love spicy meals would like to crank it up with more spices.

Interesting Facts

  • In the 1950s, the term “chili pie” was popularized and became iconic with Tex-Mex fusion in the 1970s.
  • Chile Madness uses a secret mix for a signature smoky flavor, like ancho, chipotle, and fresh jalapeños for that.

Topping of Cornmeal makes every bite incredibly rich and helps in soaking up chili juices.

Why and How to Use It?

Cornbread Topped Chili Pie is a time-saver meal, so you can bake it when you are short on time and still want a cozy, filling, and complete meal.

  • You can use it with sour cream & chives straight from the skillet.
  • You can pack it for lunch at the office or at home.
  • If you use it with crisp salad, it’ll balance the spices.

Final Thoughts

This flavorful and amazing Cornbread-Topped Chili Pie will bring the best spicy and comforting experience in every bite. It is an affordable and crowd-pleaser recipe that can be prepared and served on different occasions in your life. Follow us for more cozy and spicy but perfect recipes. Recipe.LivingSwag.com

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