Firehouse Chili & Cornbread Casserole - Food Wishes

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Ground turkey reduces fat while canned beans add protein and fiber.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: monterey jack cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while monterey jack is often less expensive.

jalapenos

🥗Healthier: banana peppers

💰Cheaper: bell peppers

Banana peppers are milder, while bell peppers are usually cheaper.

cornbread mix

🥗Healthier: homemade cornbread

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Homemade cornbread can be made with basic pantry items.

Heat a lightly oiled pot over high heat.

Add 1 diced onion and 2 teaspoons kosher salt to the pot.

Add 2 pounds of ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spatula until browned.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for a couple of minutes.

Add 1 diced poblano pepper and 2 cloves of crushed garlic to the pot.

Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of dry oregano. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 can of crushed tomatoes to the pot.

Pour in 2 cups of cold fresh water and stir to combine.

Wait for the mixture to come to a simmer, then check for thickness.

If needed, add more water and reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

After 30 minutes, decide whether to add beans. If so, stir in 1 can of kidney beans and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Transfer the chili to a casserole dish, ensuring there's enough space for the cornbread topping.

In a bowl, mix 2 boxes of corn muffin mix with 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup of cold fresh milk until smooth.

Spoon the cornbread batter over the chili until the surface is covered, drizzling it around the edges as needed.

Sprinkle more cheddar cheese on top if desired.

Transfer the casserole to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is cooked through.

Check doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it's done.

Serve the chili and cornbread casserole, garnishing with sour cream and torn cilantro.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens