A cornbread bowl filled with chili is the epitome of comfort food. This dish combines the warm, earthy flavors of chili with the sweet and savory taste of cornbread. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

Cornbread bowls with chili are a crowd-pleaser, appealing to a wide range of individuals and occasions:

Chili Enthusiasts: If you’re a fan of chili, this recipe adds an exciting twist by serving it in a delicious cornbread bowl.
Weeknight Dinners: This hearty dish is great for weeknight family dinners, providing a comforting and convenient meal option.
Potluck Parties: Impress your friends and fellow potluck attendees with these unique and flavorful cornbread bowls.
Comfort Food Cravings: When you’re in the mood for classic comfort food, this recipe combines the best of both worlds: chili and cornbread.

What Makes It Special?

Cornbread bowls filled with chili offer several distinct features:

Flavor Harmony: The combination of rich, spicy chili and sweet, crumbly cornbread creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Edible Bowl: The cornbread bowl serves as both a container and a delectable part of the meal, eliminating the need for extra dishes.
Customizable Toppings: You can personalize your cornbread chili bowl with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.
Great for Gatherings: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a potluck event, this recipe is versatile and sure to be a hit.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cornbread bowls with chili turn out wonderfully:

Simmer for Flavor: Allow the chili to simmer for at least an hour to develop rich flavors.
Check Cornbread Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread to verify it’s fully cooked; no batter should stick to the toothpick.
Personalize Toppings: Customize your cornbread chili bowl with your preferred toppings, such as jalapeños, diced onions, or fresh cilantro.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the chili and cornbread in advance and assemble the bowls just before serving for a stress-free meal.

Enjoy your homemade cornbread bowls filled with flavorful chili, and savor the heartwarming combination of two classic comfort foods.

Cornbread Bowl with Chili

Serves: 2 Prep Time: 30mins Cooking Time: 120mins 120mins

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

For the Chili Base:
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup canned red beans, drained and rinsed
28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cornbread Bowl:
For the Cornbread Batter:
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
Sour cream (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chili

In a pot, brown the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Stir in the diced onions, minced garlic, diced red and green bell peppers, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook for approximately 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the beef is browned.

Add the canned crushed tomatoes, drained red beans, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the chili simmer for 1-2 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and develop.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Bowl

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.

Add the eggs and milk to the butter-sugar mixture, and continue whisking until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.

Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth batter forms. Ensure there are no lumps.

Step 4: Bake the Cornbread

Grease a baking dish (preferably one large enough to hold individual servings) or use individual cocotte dishes.

Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared dish or cocottes.

Step 5: Check Doneness

Bake the cornbread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread; it should come out clean when it's ready.

Set the baked cornbread aside to cool slightly.

Step 6: Assemble the Cornbread Bowl

Once the cornbread has cooled slightly, use a small knife to carefully cut out a well in the center of each muffin or the large cornbread, creating a bowl shape to hold the chili.

Place the excess cornbread pieces at the bottom of each serving dish to create a base and prevent any waste.