Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Get ready for the ultimate comfort food explosion – this Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping is about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise! Brace yourselves, because this dish is INSANE (in the best way possible). We’re talking layers of epic chili, melty cheese, and an irresistible cornbread topping that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance. This is not your average casserole, my friends – it’s a culinary revolution that’s about to shake up your dinner routine in the most mouth-watering way.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping
Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy! When you pull this Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping out of the oven, all your friends and family are going to be begging for a bite. The combination of flavors is truly epic – the rich, creamy chili base is the perfect canvas for melty cheddar and spicy jalapeños, while the savory cornbread topping adds an incredible textural contrast that’ll have you going back for seconds (and thirds!). Plus, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new family favorite. We’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, so get ready for an extraordinary food adventure that’ll have everyone talking.
Ingredients
Alright, let’s get this party started with the key players in this Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping. You’ll need ground beef, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and cornbread mix. This epic combo of ingredients is about to create a flavor explosion that’ll have your taste buds doing cartwheels. So grab your grocery list and let’s get cooking!
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1 medium – Onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp – Chili powder
- 1 tsp – Cumin
- 1 (15 oz) can – Diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can – Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8.5 oz) box – Cornbread mix (plus ingredients to prepare as directed)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles (for a leaner or vegetarian option)
- Cheddar Cheese: Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses (to customize the flavor)
How to Make Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping
Alright, let’s get this party started! First, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Now, let’s get the chili base going. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, then add the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 1: Prep Work
Alright, let’s get this party started! First, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Now, let’s get the chili base going. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, then add the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to bring the heat! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, then pour in the diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Simmer the chili for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken up.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now for the epic finale! Spread the chili mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Top it with dollops of cream cheese, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. This is where the magic happens, my friends. Finally, prepare the cornbread topping according to the package instructions, and spread it over the cheese layer. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To really take this Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping to the next level, consider topping it with sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream. The more toppings, the better – this dish is all about those epic, over-the-top flavors that’ll have your taste buds singing!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add diced bell peppers, corn, and a splash of lime juice to the chili.
- Crunchy Topping: Swap the cornbread topping for a buttery cracker crust.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to the chili.
- Kick Up the Heat: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Veggie-Packed: Sauté diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the onions.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread.
Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This casserole also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly again.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the chili base and assemble the casserole up to 3 days in advance. Top with the cornbread and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Let’s be real, this Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping is not exactly a health food. But hey, sometimes you just need to indulge in a little comfort food chaos, am I right? Each serving packs a serious nutritional punch, with a hearty dose of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Of course, the cheese and cornbread topping add some extra calories and fat, but that’s all part of the epic flavor experience. So go ahead, dive in and devour this sensational casserole – your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbs: 48 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping is the perfect make-ahead meal. Prepare the chili base and assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply top with the cornbread mixture and pop it in the oven. Easy peasy!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with the cheese in this dish. Cheddar is the classic choice, but pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses would also be insanely delicious. Just make sure to shred or crumble it so it melts seamlessly into the chili.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
To make this Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping vegetarian, simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans. For a vegan version, use a dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternative, and make the cornbread topping with plant-based milk and egg replacer. The possibilities are endless, so let your culinary rebel flag fly!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cornbread mix or make your own homemade gluten-free cornbread topping. Easy as that, and your taste buds will be just as thrilled.
How spicy is this casserole?
The level of spice in this Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. The chili powder and jalapeños add a nice kick, but you can tone it down by using less chili powder or omitting the jalapeños altogether. Or, for the real flavor rebels out there, feel free to crank up the heat with extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. The choice is yours – just get ready for an epic flavor explosion!
Try These Next
- Savory Pumpkin Chili Cheese Burger With Spicy Maple Drizzle
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac N Cheese With Crispy Sage Topping
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac And Cheese With Savory Herb Crumble
Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole with Savory Cornbread Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍟 COMFORT CHAOS
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chili Cheese Casserole is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of chili and cheese, topped with a savory cornbread layer. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) chili beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chili beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
4. In a separate bowl, mix cornbread mix, milk, and egg until just combined.
5. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer the beef mixture, followed by the sour cream and cheddar cheese.
6. Spread the cornbread batter evenly on top of the cheese layer.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the chili mixture.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: casserole, chili, cheese, cornbread, comfort food