Chili Corn Bread Bowl is a fun and delicious dish that combines the hearty goodness of chili with the comforting texture of cornbread. It’s perfect for dinner or as a warming meal on a chilly day. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to make, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

Why Make This Recipe

Making a Chili Corn Bread Bowl is a great way to enjoy a complete meal in one dish. It is filling, flavorful, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you decide to use ground beef, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option, this recipe is versatile. Plus, it’s a fun way to get family and friends involved in cooking, as everyone can help with preparing the ingredients!

How to Make Chili Corn Bread Bowl

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey (or 2 cans beans for vegetarian)
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Shredded cheese (optional)
Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until soft.
Add the ground beef or turkey (or beans for a vegetarian option) and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, milk, egg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined.
Layer the meat mixture in a baking dish, then pour the cornmeal batter on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the corn bread comes out clean.
Optional: Top with shredded cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking for extra flavor.
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs before serving.

How to Serve Chili Corn Bread Bowl

Serve your Chili Corn Bread Bowl warm from the oven. It’s great on its own, or you can top it with some shredded cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or some corn chips for a complete meal.

How to Store Chili Corn Bread Bowl

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Tips to Make Chili Corn Bread Bowl

For extra flavor, you can add spices such as cumin or chili powder to the meat mixture.
Feel free to mix in different vegetables like zucchini or corn for added nutrition.
Make sure not to overmix the cornmeal batter; it should be just combined for the best texture.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe to suit your tastes. Try using different types of ground meat or beans, and don’t hesitate to add other toppings such as sour cream or avocado slices.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and the cornmeal batter in advance. Just assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free cornmeal and ensure that your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
A: Yes! Substitute the meat with beans and use plant-based milk and egg replacer to make it vegan.