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Comfort Chili with Cornbread: Easy Cozy Dinner for Cold Nights

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A hearty, soul-warming chili loaded with beef, beans, and veggies, paired with sweet, golden cornbread. Perfect for cold nights, family gatherings, or potlucks—this easy recipe is comforting, customizable, and sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 carrot, grated (optional)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika (smoked preferred)
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal (medium grind)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup milk (whole, almond, or oat)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or cast iron skillet with butter or oil.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Spoon off excess grease if needed.
  3. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent and peppers soften. Add grated carrot if using.
  4. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Toast spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Mix well.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, melted butter, and honey until smooth.
  8. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour batter into greased pan or skillet and smooth the top.
  9. Bake cornbread for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Edges should be slightly crispy.
  10. While cornbread bakes, keep chili warm on low. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving.
  11. Serve hot chili in bowls, top with fresh cornbread, and add desired toppings such as sour cream, green onions, or cilantro. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

For vegetarian or vegan options, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans, use dairy-free milk and butter, and a flax egg for cornbread. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add-ins like corn kernels, green chilies, or cheese can enhance flavor. Chili and cornbread both freeze well. Start checking cornbread at 20 minutes to avoid dryness.

Nutrition

Keywords: comfort food, chili, cornbread, cozy dinner, easy recipe, cold nights, family meal, potluck, beef chili, homemade cornbread

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/comfort-chili-with-cornbread-easy-cozy-dinner-for-cold-nights/