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Easy Cornbread Chili Pie Recipe

This Cornbread Chili Pie is hearty and full of flavor. It is comfort food at its finest. You can't go wrong with deliciously spiced chili topped with a golden brown cornbread crust.

A tasty meal that can go from ingredients to a satisfying meal in under an hour. Gluten and dairy free it is the perfect meal that the whole family is going to love. 

If you love fluffy cornbread, then you will love this casserole dish. One of the best cornbread recipes you will make.

A baking dish with chili cornbread pie.

A comforting dish that is filled with a chili meat mixture and topped with a delicious crust it is going to be a weeknight meal that you add to your meal plan rotation for sure.

The best thing about this chili pie recipe is that you can be assured that it is gluten and dairy free. Safe to eat and will soon be one of your favorite family meals. 

This chili cornbread casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner. You can use a pie plate or any large ovenproof skillet to make this dish.

We are sure it will become one of your favorite chili recipes to try for the whole family. 

If you like the idea of this cornbread chili pie then you are going to love the Cornbread Sloppy Joe Skillet.

Another quick and easy recipe packed full of flavor perfect for a midweek meal that everyone is going to love. 

Jump to:
A serving spoon inside of a homemade chili pie.

Why You’ll Love this Cornbread Chili Pie

  • Kid-friendly - This is a great dish for your little ones to enjoy. The perfect meal that the whole family will love. 
  • You can control the flavors - You can add as much or as little chili seasoning as you like. Ideal if you are wanting to serve this to children. 
  • Easy to make - You don't need many ingredients or too much time in the kitchen to make a wholesome family meal.
  • Simple ingredients - You likely have everything you need to make this delicious recipe. 

Ingredients Notes

Get all the info on these gluten and dairy free ingredients in the recipe card- these are our brand suggestions and ingredient notes.

  • Ground beef, browned and drained
  • Diced tomatoes- always check that yours are safe
  • kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Cornbread mix - We use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 20 oz Cornbread Mix
  • Dairy free milk - we like to use almond milk, but you can use any dairy free milk you prefer
  • egg
  • Optional: Cilantro, dairy free sour cream (Kite Hill is who we use), green onions, or dairy free cheddar cheese, to garnish if desired 

Helpful Tools

Large mixing bowl

Nonstick cooking spray (check that yours is gluten free)

Measuring cups and spoons

Small bowl

Pie plate or baking dish

How To Make Cornbread Chili Pie

  1. Gather all of your ingredients together and then preheat the oven to 350 degrees. You will also need to prepare a round pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, you will need to combine the cooked beef, tomatoes, beans, and seasonings. Stir to combine and then transfer to the prepared pie plate.
  3. Combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk in a small bowl until well blended. Spoon a layer of cornbread mix on top of the chili to create a cornbread topping and spread in an even layer.
  4. Place in the oven and then bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cornbread is cooked through.
  5. Serve with your desired toppings and enjoy.
A collage of images showing how to make cornbread chili pie.

Storage

If you have any leftovers of this delicious cornbread chili pie then let them cool completely and transfer to an airtight container.

You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

You can reheat the chili cornbread pie in the microwave or in the oven.

Perfect for lunch the following day or you can get creative with your leftovers. 

A serving dish with the wooden spoon next to a chili pie with cornbread topping.

Recipe Variations

Want to use different meat? You could try ground turkey instead as a leaner alternative. You could also use lamb mince or even make this a vegetarian dish and use quorn or soya mince instead. 

Pack in the veggies. This is the perfect recipe to add in some extra veggies to make it nutritionally balanced.

Add in some bell peppers, grated zucchini, mushrooms or grated carrots. A perfect way to hide some veggies so that the kids don't realise what they are eating. 

Make a bean chili instead. You could make bean chili instead of minced chili. This is another great way to make it a vegetarian dish and is a great source of protein.

Make this with gluten & dairy. If you do not have any gluten intolerances or dairy intolerances or allergies, feel free to swap the cornbread mix out for traditional cornbread.

Additionally, you can use regular milk or butter products too with this recipe.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer you can use a cast-iron skillet or any large oven-safe skillet instead. You will still get the same result and it will taste amazing. 
  • You might need to cook the ground beef up ahead of time, and doing that in a frying pan or skillet with some olive oil is a great way to do it. You could also add some chili seasoning if you want to add some extra flavor. 
  • All ovens are different so keep an eye on it. You might find that you get that crusty cornbread topping in just 25 minutes if your oven works fast. 
A plate of homemade gluten free chili pie.

FAQ

Why do we eat cornbread with chili?

There are so many ways you can serve up this tasty dish. On its own, you can enjoy it, but I like to add a dollop of dairy-free sour cream, some green onions, and even some vegan cheese.

It would also be great with some corn on the cob, or other green vegetables.
Cornbread is a great texture to pair with the various texture and flavors of chili.

Are chili and cornbread a thing?

The combination of chili and cornbread has long been a tradition.

This is just a great way to combine the two things together, baked so that you can enjoy all of the flavors with every mouthful.

It is the ultimate comfort food and is usually enjoyed as chili with a side of cornbread that you would dip into it. 

Where does chili and cornbread originate?

This classic combination got its start here in America in 1989 when it first featured in a Spanish-themed food stand in Chicago.

It has since grown into a main dish and combination served across the USA. 

Can I make this in a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely! You could use a large skillet to make this dish.

You can cook up the chili ingredients in the skillet and then add the cornbread topping and transfer to the oven to bake.

Ideal as a one-pot dish which saves on washing up. 

Looking at a plate of cornbread pie.

Other easy midweek recipes 

  • Sweet Potato Chili - Sweet Potato Chili is loaded with tender sweet potato chunks, seasoned ground beef, hearty kidney beans, delicate red bell peppers, loads of spices and endless garnishes like bacon crumbles, green onions, fresh chopped cilantro, and diced red onions.
  • Turkey Breast Sheet Pan Dinner - This Turkey Breast Sheet Pan dinner not only is perfect for something simple at Thanksgiving, or Christmas but is the ideal easy family meal that everyone will enjoy all year long. A great way to cook things together to maximize the flavor and minimize the clean-up mess.
  • Gluten Free Spaghetti Carbonara - Super easy to make and delicious creamy pasta with parmesan cheese and chunks of bacon.  
  • Shepherd's (Cottage) Pie- a family favorite pie that combines some ground beef, veggies and our famous gluten and dairy free mashed potatoes.
A plate with a serving of chili pie with cornbread topping.

Easy Gluten Free and Dairy Free Cornbread Chili Pie

An easy weeknight, filling meal with your favorite chili!
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 410kcal
Author: Eating Gluten and Dairy Free

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef browned and drained
  • 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 15 ounces can kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ounces gluten free cornbread mix see post for brand suggestion
  • cup dairy free milk
  • 1 egg
  • Cilantro, dairy free sour cream, green onions, or dairy free cheddar cheese to garnish if desired

Instructions

  • Gather all of your ingredients together and then preheat the oven to 350 degrees. You will also need to prepare a round pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, you will need to combine the cooked beef, tomatoes, beans, and seasonings. Stir to combine and then transfer to the prepared pie plate.
  • Combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk in a small bowl until well blended. Spoon a layer of cornbread mix on top of the chili to create a cornbread topping and spread in an even layer.
  • Place in the oven and then bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cornbread is cooked through.
  • Serve with your desired toppings and enjoy.

Notes

  • If you prefer you can use a cast-iron skillet or any large oven-safe skillet instead. You will still get the same result and it will taste amazing.
  • You might need to cook the ground beef up ahead of time, and doing that in a frying pan or skillet with some olive oil is a great way to do it. You could also add some chili seasoning if you want to add some extra flavor.
  • All ovens are different so keep an eye on it. You might find that you get that crusty cornbread topping in just 25 minutes if your oven works fast.
  • Get more tips, tricks, variations and help in the post.
Nutrition facts are ESTIMATED- your actual nutritional info from this recipe may vary depending on the brands that you choose.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 837mg | Potassium: 565mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 389IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

These Nutritional Facts are ESTIMATED. Your actual nutritional info with this recipe may vary depending on the brands you choose. “Eating Gluten and Dairy Free” is not a registered dietician or nutritionist. The provided nutritional info above is based on a generic calculator, if you want more accurate info, use your nutritional calculator of choice where you can choose brands and get more info that way.

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