Chili Cornbread Skillet
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6
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Calories
69608 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American, International, Vegetarian
Chili Cornbread Skillet
Description
Chili Cornbread Skillet presents a layered combination of spiced chili and a classic cornbread topping all cooked together in an oven-safe skillet. The chili includes a trio of beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sautéed onions, garlic, and jalapeño with mild chili powder, cumin, and oregano to build a well-rounded flavor. After simmering, shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled atop the chili before pouring a cornmeal-based batter over it. Baking at a high temperature cooks the cornbread until golden and firm, contrasting with the rich chili beneath.
The dish balances savory and slightly sweet elements, with the cheese adding richness and the jalapeño contributing subtle heat if included. Its texture features a crisp-topped cornbread with a moist crumb resting on a thick, hearty chili matrix layered with beans and tomato flavors. This combination makes it a filling one-pan meal, offering convenience and a satisfying comfort-food experience.
This skillet dish can be served directly from the pan, making it convenient for family dinners or casual entertaining. It pairs well with simple sides like a green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness. Using a mild chili powder keeps the spice approachable, but the heat level can be adjusted by varying the jalapeño or chili powder amounts.
The note about chili powder clarifies the use of a mild blend rather than spicy cayenne, advising gradual addition to suit personal taste. This ensures the chili's flavor stays balanced without overwhelming heat.
Ingredients
Chili
- 1 Tbsp neutral cooking oil $0.04, generic cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic $0.16
- 1 yellow onion $0.32
- 1 jalapeño $0.15, optional
- 1 oz. can diced tomatoes $0.89, fire roasted
- 1 oz. can tomato paste $0.39
- 3 oz. cans Kidney Beans $2.67
- 3 oz. cans pinto beans
- 3 oz. cans black beans
- 1 Tbsp chili powder $0.30
- 1 tsp cumin $0.10, ground
- 1/2 tsp oregano $0.05, dried
- 1 tsp salt $0.05
- 1 cup water $0.00
- 1 cup cheddar cheese $0.85, shredded
Cornbread
- 1 cup cornmeal $0.24, yellow
- 1 cup all-purpose flour $0.15
- 1/4 cup sugar $0.20
- 4 tsp baking powder $0.24
- 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
- 1 cup milk $0.31
- 1 egg $0.23, large
- 1/4 cup neutral cooking oil $0.16, generic cooking oil
Instructions
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the jalapeño lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and then dice the pepper. Add the cooking oil, onion, garlic, and jalapeño to a large 4-quart oven safe skillet. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Drain the canned beans then add them to the skillet with the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and water. Stir to combine.
- Allow the chili to come up to a simmer. Let the chili continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, as you prepare the cornbread topping.
- Begin to preheat the oven to 425ºF. In a large bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until very well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and oil. Pour the milk mixture into the bowl with the cornmeal mixture and stir just until everything is moistened.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over top of the simmering chili. Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the chili and cheese, and spread it around until the surface is evenly covered.
- Transfer the skillet to the fully preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on the surface. To serve, simply scoop the cornbread and chili beneath onto a plate or bowl, and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose mild chili powder to control the spiciness; add more gradually if needed.
- Using pre-shredded cheddar cheese can save time, but freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly.
- The skillet used must be oven-safe to bake the cornbread topping properly.
- Let the chili simmer gently before adding the cornbread batter for best layering results.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 69608 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving | |
| Calories | 696.08kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 96.87g | 32% |
| Protein | 27.85g | 56% |
| Fat | 22.33g | 34% |
| Sodium | 1793.65mg | 75% |
| Fiber | 21.28g | 85% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.