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Are you searching for easy hamburger meat recipes that combine comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor? Look no further than this Beef Chili Cornbread Bake! This mouthwatering dish layers seasoned ground turkey (or beef) with hearty chili beans, then tops it with golden, fluffy cornbread. It’s one of those quick dinner ideas that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal your whole family will request again and again.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it brings together the best elements of chili and cornbread into one spectacular casserole. The savory, spiced meat mixture creates a robust base while the sweet cornbread topping provides the perfect textural contrast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing dinner ideas with ground beef for a cozy night in, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This Beef Chili Cornbread Bake represents everything you want in ground meat recipes for dinner. First, it’s incredibly versatile you can use ground turkey, beef, or even ground chicken recipes variations depending on your preference. Second, the preparation is straightforward enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for entertaining. The combination of protein-rich beans, lean ground meat, and whole-grain cornbread also makes this one of the more balanced healthy dinner recipes you can prepare.
The recipe relies on pantry staples and requires minimal prep work, making it ideal for those lazy dinners when you want maximum flavor with minimum effort. Plus, the one-dish format means less cleanup, which is always a win in our book!
Equipment You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the essential equipment. Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier:
- Large frying pan for browning the meat and vegetables
- Cutting board for chopping vegetables
- Chef’s knife for efficient prep work
- Mixing bowls for preparing the cornbread batter
- Measuring cups and spoons set for accurate measurements
- Kitchen utensils including a wooden spoon for stirring
- Oven for baking the casserole to perfection
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s examine what makes this one of the best easy meals with ground beef (or turkey) you’ll ever try:
For the Chili Layer
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground turkey (or beef) | 1 pound | Choose 93% lean for healthier option |
| Chopped celery | ½ cup | Adds crunch and flavor |
| Chopped onion | ½ cup | Yellow or white onion works best |
| Chili powder | 1 tablespoon | Adjust to taste preference |
| Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Ground cumin | ½ teaspoon | Essential for authentic chili flavor |
| Crushed red pepper | ½ teaspoon | Optional, for heat lovers |
| Tomato sauce | 15 ounces | One standard can |
| Chili beans with gravy | 15 ounces | Adds richness and protein |
| Cannellini beans | 15 ounces | Drained before adding |
For the Cornbread Topping
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cornbread mix packages | 2 (8.5 oz each) | Any brand works well |
| Milk | ⅔ cup | Whole milk for richer texture |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature preferred |
| Shredded Cheddar cheese | 1 cup | Sharp Cheddar adds more flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create this amazing hamburger meat recipe:
Preparing the Chili Base
1. Heat your large frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, chopped celery, and chopped onion.
2. Cook the mixture, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon from your kitchen utensils set, until the turkey is no longer pink and vegetables are softened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add the chili powder, black pepper, cumin, and red pepper (if using). Stir constantly for 2 minutes to bloom the spices and release their aromatic oils.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce, chili beans with their gravy, and drained cannellini beans. Stir everything together and continue cooking until the mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes. Set aside while you prepare the cornbread.
Making the Cornbread Layer
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
6. In one of your mixing bowls, combine both packages of cornbread mix with the milk and eggs. Use your measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements. Mix until just combined don’t overmix, as this can make the cornbread tough.
7. Spoon the cornbread batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it to the edges.
8. Carefully spoon the prepared turkey-chili mixture over the cornbread batter, distributing it as evenly as possible.
Baking to Perfection
9. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges of the cornbread are nicely browned and the center appears set but still has a slight jiggle.
10. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
11. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and begins to bubble slightly.
12. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.
Pro Tips for Success
To make this one of your go-to quick and easy dinner recipes, keep these tips in mind:
- Meat Selection: While the recipe calls for ground turkey, you can easily substitute ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative. For the leanest option, choose 93/7 or 90/10 ground turkey or beef.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper. For a milder version, omit the red pepper entirely and reduce the chili powder slightly.
- Cheese Variations: While Cheddar is classic, try Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or zucchini to the chili mixture for extra nutrition and color.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the chili mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then proceed with the cornbread topping.
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes beautifully. Cool completely, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Chili Cornbread Bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your presentation:
- Dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt on each serving
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette
- Add pickled jalapeños for those who love extra heat
- Offer hot sauce on the side for customizable spice levels
- Pair with tortilla chips or cornbread muffins for texture variety
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe checks several boxes when it comes to healthy dinner recipes. The lean ground turkey provides high-quality protein with less saturated fat than traditional ground beef. The beans contribute both protein and fiber, helping you feel full longer and supporting digestive health. The vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, while the cornbread provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
By choosing quality ingredients and controlling portion sizes, you can enjoy this comforting dish as part of a balanced diet. One serving provides approximately 400-450 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonable dinner option.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator as the spices have more time to meld together, making this one of those rare dishes that tastes even better as leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cornbread instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade cornbread, prepare your favorite recipe but reduce the sugar slightly since the chili mixture is savory. Use about 2 cups of prepared cornbread batter.
What if I don’t have cannellini beans?
Great Northern beans, navy beans, or even pinto beans make excellent substitutes. The key is using a white or light-colored bean to complement the chili beans.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure your chili beans and tomato sauce are certified gluten-free. Most are, but always check labels.
How do I prevent the cornbread from becoming soggy?
The key is ensuring your chili mixture isn’t too watery. If it seems thin, simmer it a bit longer before adding it to the pan. Also, don’t overmix the cornbread batter.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or carrots all work wonderfully. Just sauté them with the celery and onions at the beginning.
What’s the best way to serve this for a party?
Cut it into squares and serve buffet-style with toppings like sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños on the side so guests can customize their portions.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
In the world of ground meat recipes for dinner, this Beef Chili Cornbread Bake stands out for its perfect balance of convenience and comfort. It’s one of those quick dinner ideas that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed. The recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with pantry staples and minimal effort, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and lazy dinners when you want something special without the fuss.
The versatility of this dish means it adapts to your needs use ground turkey for a leaner option, ground beef for richer flavor, or try ground chicken recipes variations for something different. No matter which protein you choose, you’ll end up with a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that represents the best of easy meals with ground beef alternatives.
What truly makes this recipe shine is how it transforms simple, affordable ingredients into something memorable. The combination of spiced meat, hearty beans, and fluffy cornbread creates layers of flavor and texture that keep everyone coming back for seconds. It’s comfort food at its finest, proving that dinner ideas with ground beef can be both simple and spectacular.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Chili Cornbread Bake exemplifies what great hamburger meat recipes should be: delicious, satisfying, and achievable for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro looking for quick and easy dinner recipes to add to your repertoire, this dish delivers every time.
The next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember this recipe. It’s the answer to “What’s for dinner?” that will make everyone happy including you, because it’s so easy to prepare! Give it a try tonight and discover why it might just become your new favorite go-to meal.
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PrintBeef Chili Cornbread Bake: 30-Minute Easy Ground Beef Dinner Recipe
A hearty, comforting casserole that combines seasoned ground turkey, chili beans, and fluffy cornbread topped with melted Cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 8
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground turkey
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can chili beans with chili gravy
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained
2 (8.5 ounce) packages cornbread mix
⅔ cup milk
2 eggs
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Cook turkey, celery, and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until turkey is no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Add chili powder, black pepper, cumin, and red pepper. Cook and stir for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, chili beans, and cannellini beans. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
5. Combine cornbread mixes, milk, and eggs in a bowl and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Spoon cornbread batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
7. Spoon turkey mixture over the cornbread batter, distributing evenly.
8. Bake uncovered until edges of cornbread are nicely browned and center appears set, about 20 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top.
10. Return to oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes more.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper or add diced jalapeños to the chili mixture.
You can substitute ground beef, chicken, or plant-based meat for the ground turkey.
This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
For extra vegetables, add diced bell peppers or corn to the chili mixture.