When it comes to weeknight dinners I don’t mind taking shortcuts. I always look for recipes that are easy, quick and delicious. This cornbread chili pie is an absolute check all the boxes recipe. With the chili-based filling and cornbread topping it is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Table of Contents
What is Cornbread Chili Pie?
When I first told my kids I was making Cornbread Chili Pie it got repeated by all three of them in different variations,
“Cornbread Chili Pie?”
“Cornbread CHILI pie?”
“Chili PIE mom?”
Yes, Cornbread Chili Pie and to answer the follow-up question, what is it? Well, it’s chili topped with cornbread. But the filing in this recipe is packed with hearty flavor then topped with a cheesy cornbread topping. This is probably my favorite pie to eat for dinner…along with fichi pizza from Volturno Pizza. If you live close to a Volturno Pizzaria then order the Fichi pizza it has mission fig, proscuitto di parma, gorgonzola, mozzarella, arugula, and balsamico. Try it with a Prosecco or Pino Grigio. Sorry I just went Dory from Finding Nemo, lol. Let’s go back to Cornbread Chili Pie…
What is In Cornbread Chili Pie?
This recipe calls for a pork and ground beef chili filling. The filling also has corn, kidney beans, and chili powder along with tomatoes, jalapeños, chicken broth and tomato paste. Then topped with a cheesy corn muffin batter and put in the oven to bake. If you are thinking this sounds delish – it really is!
Chili- A mix of ground beef and pork seasoned with chili seasoning then mixed with chicken broth, kidney beans, tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, corn and a little tomato paste.
Cornbread- I used Jiffy corn muffin mix. It doesn’t have to be Jiffy or a boxed corn muffin mix for that matter. You can definitely make your own cornbread recipe. Weeknights are kinda of hectic around here so little shortcuts like using boxed corn muffin mix that doesn’t compromise the flavor are welcome in my kitchen. I grew up on Jiffy but any boxed corn muffin mix will also work.
Cheese- Like my kids say about most things, it’s better with cheddar. My kids love cheddar cheese and since the chili has enough flavor I kept the cheese simple. Feel free to try this recipe with your favorite cheese and let me know in the comments how it came out. I’d love to share it your input.
What to Serve with Cornbread Chili Pie?
This is a one pot dinner. You don’t necessarily have to serve anything with it because it has everything that makes a meal complete. It has the meat, bread, and dairy all in one pan. All by itself it is quite a filling meal. But if you want to add something there are a couple dishes that you can make to accompany this recipe.
- Salad with ranch dressing
- Mexican rice
- Mashed potatoes
If you have a favorite side to eat with this recipe be sure to let me know in the comments.
Cornbread Chili Pie vs. Frito Pie
Cornbread Chili pie is topped with cornbread whereas Frito Pie is chili topped with…you guessed it, Fritos! I like both but my husband has high blood pressure and fritos are little too salty for him. The Frito Pie has saltiness and crunch but the cornbread chili pie is cheesy, wholesome and satisfying on a whole other level.
How to Make Cornbread Chili Pie?
You can use canned chili but I highly recommend trying this chili filing recipe (scroll to the bottom). It is so full of flavor that I have yet to experience from canned chili. Once you make the chili and it is simmering in your skillet mix up your corn muffin mix and pour on top of your chili filing. Then transfer to the oven and bake till the topping is browned. It’s that simple but your family wouldn’t even think so because the flavor is just so delish. This is a meal that brings my family to the table with very little effort. The best part is that the recipe is so easy I sometimes make it a family affair. My two younger kids make the corn muffin mix and my oldest helps me with the chili.
Other Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Can I make Cornbread Chili Pie without beans?
A. Yes, you can!
Q. What other beans can I use if I don’t have kidney beans?
A. Black beans is also a good alternative. They have a sturdy texture like kidney beans. I used Cannelini beans before but they were too soft for my taste. They didn’t ruin the flavor they were just softer.
Tips and Tricks
- Use an extra large cast iron skillet or pan that can be transferred from stovetop to oven for easy cleanup.
- If you find the corn muffin mix too thick add a little bit more milk. It should be thin enough (not runny) to pour evenly.
- You can make chili one night and use the leftovers to make this chili pie. This allows you to create 2 different meals and minimize your time in the kitchen. I bet your family won’t complain about eating leftovers when you reinvent it like this.
- Have kids? I assigned the task of making the cornbread to my kids. They love helping in the kitchen and it is one less thing for me to do.
Cornbread Chili Pie (Casserole)
A hearty meal to comfort the soul on those cold winter nights.Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 1.75 oz packets of chili seasoning
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes w/ jalapeños
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 2 8.5 oz Jiffy corn mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen corn, divided in 1/2
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 16 oz can of kidney beans, drained
Optional Toppings
- fresh salsa
- chopped green onion
- sour cream
- shredded cheddar cheese
Notes
Tried This Recipe?
Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram @withlove_fromcatt