Name: Cornbread Chili Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 lb 90/10 ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp cumin; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1.5 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; Pinch cayenne powder; 1 15oz can diced tomatoes; 1 15oz can tomato sauce; 1 15oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 15oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp honey; 8.5 oz box mix cornbread, plus ingredients to prepare per box instructions; 3 tbsp all purpose flour; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (3/4 cup for batter, remaining for topping); Sour cream; Greek yogurt; Additional shredded cheese; Green onion; Fritos; Cilantro

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a meal that’s cozy, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, then my Cornbread Chili Skillet Recipe is here to make that dream come true. This dish brings together a rich blend of seasoned ground beef, melty shredded cheddar, and hearty beans, all simmered to perfection under a golden, fluffy cornbread topping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a solo comfort feast, this skillet recipe feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and will quickly become your go-to for satisfying dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round white pan filled with a layered dish starting with a dark, thick base layer that looks like black beans, topped by a thick, golden brown cheesy layer that covers the whole surface, sprinkled with small pieces of chopped green onions spread evenly on top. Around the pan are a bowl of round, golden-brown chips and a small white bowl with smooth white sauce, all placed on a white marbled surface with some chopped green onions in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to deliver a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and heartiness. Each element plays an essential role—from the fragrant spices that build the chili’s depth, to the creamy beans adding texture, to the golden cornbread that crowns the skillet with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.

2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing your onions and browning the beef perfectly.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic base.
1lb 90/10 ground beef: The protein star that brings hearty flavor and richness.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the savory depth with punchy garlic notes.
3 tbsp chili powder: The cornerstone spice for authentic chili warmth.
1 tbsp cumin: Earthy undertones that enhance the overall spice profile.
2 tsp garlic powder: Reinforces the garlicky goodness.
1.5 tsp salt: Balances and elevates all other flavors.
1/2 tsp pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
Pinch cayenne powder: Just enough kick to keep things interesting.
1 15oz can diced tomatoes: Provides juicy brightness and acidity.
1 15oz can tomato sauce: Creates a rich, saucy base for the chili.
1 15oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy texture and a mild flavor contrast.
1 15oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds hearty bites and protein.
3 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor, thickening the chili.
2 tbsp honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
8.5oz box mix cornbread, plus ingredients to make cornbread: For that irresistible golden topping.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Mixed into the cornbread batter to help it set perfectly.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Stirred into the batter and sprinkled on top for ooey-gooey cheesy goodness.
Optional toppings: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, extra cheese, green onions, Fritos, cilantro – customize each serving your way!

How to Make Cornbread Chili Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Next, add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, about another 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—this sets the flavorful foundation for the chili’s heart.

Step 2: Spice It Up and Add the Tomato Base

Now it’s time to build layers of flavor. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne powder. Stir well to coat the meat and onions with the spices. Then pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, and drizzle honey over the mixture. Combine everything thoroughly to prepare for that perfect simmer.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili to Perfection

Bring the skillet contents up to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help meld those robust flavors. This simmering step thickens the chili and marries the spices and ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Cornbread Topping

While the chili gently simmers, whip up your cornbread according to the box instructions. To make this topping extra special, fold in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the batter. These additions create a sturdier texture and introduce pockets of melted cheese throughout the cornbread.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Skillet

Spread the chili evenly in your skillet, then drop spoonfuls of the prepared cornbread batter across the top, spreading out gently to cover the chili surface—or leave it in rustic large dollops if you prefer more variation. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread and pop the skillet into a 400°F oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cornbread is golden and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Cool and Garnish

Once out of the oven, allow the skillet to cool for about 15 minutes so the flavors settle, and the cornbread firms up just enough. This step makes serving a breeze and keeps all the magic intact for your very first bite.

How to Serve Cornbread Chili Skillet Recipe

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a layered dish: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and dark red kidney beans, topped with a golden-brown cornbread layer sprinkled with melted cheddar cheese and little green onion pieces. On top of the meat and bean layer is a dollop of smooth white sour cream. Two yellowish corn chips rest on the side inside the bowl. A silver spoon is digging into the food, showing the soft texture of the cornbread and the meaty bean layer beneath. The background has a white marbled texture with some scattered green onion pieces visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Cornbread Chili Skillet Recipe is how easily you can customize it with your favorite toppings. Dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt add cooling creaminess; extra shredded cheese brings indulgent richness; a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro boosts freshness and color. For a delightful crunch, throw on some Fritos or tortilla chips—each bite becomes a celebration.

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet stands up well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp mixed green salad or a simple coleslaw to add brightness and balance. For something more indulgent, a side of roasted vegetables or steamed corn on the cob pairs beautifully with the chili flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this skillet family-style straight from the oven to captivate everyone’s appetite with its golden crust and steamy chili beneath. Or make personal servings by scooping the chili onto plates and topping each portion with warmed, scooped cornbread rounds. For a fun twist, try layering the chili and cornbread in individual ramekins and broiling the tops for a bubbly finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, this chili skillet will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy those delicious layers of chili and cheesy cornbread again.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, divide the chili and cornbread into single servings or one larger container. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the dish’s texture and flavor integrity.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the leftovers in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can cover it with foil to keep the cornbread moist, uncovering in the last few minutes to crisp up the top again. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the cornbread.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works well in this Cornbread Chili Skillet Recipe. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and adjust seasonings as needed to maintain the chili’s bold flavor.

Do I have to use a boxed cornbread mix?

Nope! Feel free to use your favorite homemade cornbread recipe instead of the boxed mix. Just remember to add a bit of shredded cheddar and flour as instructed to keep the topping cheesy and sturdy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for hearty plant-based alternatives or extra beans and veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. The spices and cornbread topping still shine through, creating a satisfying vegetarian meal.

What if I don’t have a skillet that’s oven-safe?

You can prepare the chili mixture in any pan, then transfer it to an oven-safe baking dish for the cornbread topping and baking stage. Just make sure the dish is suitably sized to contain all the ingredients comfortably.

How spicy is this chili skillet?

This Cornbread Chili Skillet Recipe has a mild to moderate level of heat thanks to the blend of chili powder and a pinch of cayenne. You can easily adjust the spice to your liking by increasing or decreasing the cayenne or adding fresh jalapeños.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a skillet bubbling with chili crowned by a cheesy cornbread topping, and I can’t wait for you to give this Cornbread Chili Skillet Recipe a try. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a meal that hugs you from the inside out. Once you experience the magic of these flavors all layered in one pan, this dish will undoubtedly have a permanent place on your recipe rotation.