Cornbread Chili Pie

Savory chili meets sweet, tender sweet cornbread in one single dish. Cornbread Chili Pie is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in!

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, look no further than Cornbread Chili Pie. It’s a Southern classic that combines two of our favorite comfort foods: spicy, savory chili and sweet, fluffy cornbread. I mean, who doesn't love cornbread and chili?!?

This simple recipe has familiar ingredients both kids and adults love. Shoot, if you have leftover homemade chili in the fridge, this recipe is an excellent way to repurpose it! It gives you chili con carne or chili pot pie vibes.

It's perfect for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends. Once you fall in love with the flavors of this one pot wonder, be sure to give my Mexican-inspired version, Jiffy Tamale Pie!

Why You'll Like this Recipe

• Easy Recipe: With simple ingredients and a straightforward steps, this chili cornbread pie is easy to prepare on busy weeknights.
• Ideal Meal Any Night of the Week: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this tamale pie brings the best of comfort food to your table with minimal effort. The whole family will love it!
• Hearty and Comforting Dish: The layers of cheesy, meaty goodness on top of a golden, fluffy cornbread crust make chili cornbread casserole an easy dinner guaranteed feel-good, crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: This chili pie with cornbread has tons of flavor! You can easily adjust the level of heat and spice to suit your preferences or add extra ingredients for a personalized touch.

Ingredients

Recipe amounts and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

• Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: Jiffy mix forms the base of the cornbread topping, providing a slightly sweet contrast to the savory filling.
• Large Egg: Helps bind the cornbread mixture together.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the cornbread base.
• Canned Creamed Corn: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness to the cornbread mixture.
• Chopped Jarred Jalapeños (optional): Adds a touch of heat and tang to the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cornbread.
• Ground Beef: Forms the base of the chili, providing a rich, hearty flavor and protein.
• Chopped Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet, savory depth to the beef mixture.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor.
• Chili Powder: Adds a warm, spicy kick to the chili, creating its signature flavor.
• Cumin: Provides a smoky, earthy flavor that enhances the chili's depth and richness.
• Salt: Balances the flavors of the chili, enhancing the taste of the other ingredients.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and thickness to the chili, creating a rich, hearty base.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a smooth, tangy base for the chili, complementing the spices and beef.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the chili, creating a savory, rich consistency.
• Medium or Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a gooey, melty layer of goodness that ties the whole dish together.
• Garnishes: Be sure to add your favorite chili toppings! Frito corn chips, hot sauce, sliced green onions, diced red onion, and sour cream add great flavor and texture.

Tools You'll Need

• Large Cast Iron Skillet (12-inch), Large Oven-Safe Skillet or 13"x9" Casserole Dish
• Medium Skillet
• Meat Chopper
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife

How to Make Cornbread Chili Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
2. To a mixing bowl, combine egg, creamed corn, sour cream, chopped jalapeños (if using), and Jiffy. Fold until well blended.

3. Pour the cornbread batter in a buttered 12-inch cast-iron skillet or 13”x9” pan (optional: preheat the pan on the stovetop). 

4. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. While the base bakes, in a large skillet on medium-high heat, crumble and cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain the grease.
6. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking 2 minutes. 

7. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt and tomato paste. Once combined, stir in tomato sauce and broth. Simmer on low for 8 minutes.

8. Fold in ¼ cup of the shredded cheese. 

9. Poke holes in the surface of the cooked cornbread base.

10. Top the cornbread layer with the chili mixture, spreading out evenly. Add the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the chili. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. 

11. Uncover and bake 10 minutes OR broil on high 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is browning and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
12. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes (otherwise it will fall apart when serving). Garnish with Frito corn chips, sliced green onions, and sour cream for added flavor and texture.

Expert Tips and Substitutions

• Meat Substitutions: You can easily swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Add Beans: Beans can provide an extra dose of heartiness, flavor, and texture! Some of our favorites to add are kidney beans, black beans, and chili beans.
• Spice Level: Opt for green chilies instead of jalapeños if you want a milder cornbread crust. If you'd like a spicy beef mixture, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Seasonings: Instead of chili powder and cumin, you can opt to use your favorite chili seasoning blend.
• Cheese Options: Besides cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and a Mexican cheese blend work great as well.
• Extra Veggies: If you’re looking to add more veggies, you can add chopped green bell pepper, canned green chiles, or spinach.

Homemade Cornbread and Swaps

If you prefer a homemade sweet cornbread base instead of Jiffy, here is an easy substitute:

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup medium grind yellow cornmeal, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt

You can substitute Jiffy Cornbread mix with another sweet brand cornbread mix. You can also use canned biscuit dough for an easy crust. In this case, you'll need a 10-12 ounce can of refrigerated biscuit dough. Quarter the biscuits then incorporate in one of these ways:

• Pour the ground beef mixture in the baking dish, top with cheese, then top with the biscuit pieces.
• Fold the biscuit dough into the sloppy Joe meat mixture, pour the mixture into the baking dish, then top with cheese.

You can swap the Jiffy Cornbread mix with a gluten-free alternative to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What to Serve with Cornbread Chili Pie

This easy cornbread chili pie recipe is a hearty and flavorful main dish on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes and your favorite toppings can elevate it even further. Some delicious options are a simple green salad, raw carrots and celery with ranch dressing, or Easy Cooked Vegetables!

Storage and Freezing

Leftover chili pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 

Store leftovers in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie as well. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Favorite Chili Recipes

• Frito Chili Casserole
• Cafeteria Chili
• Brisket Chili
• Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili