Chili Con Carne Corn Bread Pie Recipe

Are you ready for a dish that’s both cozy and delicious? Let me introduce you to my Chili Con Carne Corn Bread Pie! It’s the perfect blend of hearty chili and fluffy cornbread, all wrapped up in one yummy pie. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for family dinners and potlucks!

Ingredients for Chili Con Carne Corn Bread Pie

Ready to whip up a delicious meal? Let’s gather the ingredients for our Chili Con Carne Corn Bread Pie! This recipe is all about convenience, so I love using ingredients I might already have in my pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chili Filling:

• 4 cups Shredded Beef Chili Con Carne – This is the star of the show! If you have leftovers from a previous meal, great! If not, you can make a fresh batch.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional) – A little fresh herb never hurts!

For the Corn Bread Topping:

• 1/2 cup melted butter – This gives our corn bread that irresistible moistness!
• 3 eggs – They help bind everything together.
• 1 cup milk – Use whole milk for creaminess, but skim works too if that’s what you have.
• 1/2 cup polenta or cornmeal – This adds a lovely corn flavor and texture.
• 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour (or 3 teaspoons baking powder plus 1 1/4 cups plain flour) – Trust me; it’s important for that perfect rise!
• 1/2 cup sugar – Adds a bit of sweetness to balance the chili.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all those yummy flavors!
• 1 cup canned creamed corn – This is my secret weapon for extra corn goodness!

Now that you have your shopping list, it’s time to gather all these goodies! Don’t you just love how simple this is? Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have, just keep the main ones like Chili Con Carne and cornbread together! I’m already excited about how this pie will taste. It’s a fantastic combo of flavors, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Happy cooking!

How to Make the Corn Bread Topping

Now that we have our chili all set, let’s focus on that delicious corn bread topping! This is where the magic happens! It’s easy, quick, and oh-so-satisfying. Ready? Let’s do this!

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

– In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour, 1/2 cup polenta or cornmeal, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
– Give it a good stir to mix everything nicely! The sugar will balance out the chili flavors, and the polenta will add that awesome corn flavor.

1. Add the Wet Ingredients:

– In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted butter, 3 eggs, and 1 cup of milk until well combined.
– Pour this heavenly mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients.

1. Stir Until Smooth:

– Grab a spatula or a wooden spoon and mix everything together! Make sure there are no lumps, but don’t overdo it. We want a smooth batter, but it’s okay if a few tiny lumps remain!

1. Add the Creamed Corn:

– Now, fold in 1 cup of canned creamed corn. This adds moisture and a sweet burst of flavor!

1. Ready to Top the Chili:

– Once the cornbread batter is ready, it’s time for the fun part! Carefully pour it on top of your Chili Con Carne filling. Make it about 1.5 cm (or 1/2 inch) thick.

And there you have it! Your corn bread topping is all set to bake. Can you smell the goodness already? I can! It’s going to add a fluffy, buttery layer that perfectly complements the hearty chili. I can’t wait for you to taste this delightful combination! Happy cooking!

Baking Instructions for Perfect Pie

Alright, my friend, we are almost there! Now that we’ve prepared our Chili Con Carne and the delicious corn bread topping, it’s time to pop everything into the oven and get cooking! Here’s how to make sure your pie turns out perfectly every time.

Step-by-Step Baking Process:

1. Preheat the Oven:

– First things first, we need to preheat our oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that our pie bakes evenly, so don’t skip this step!

1. Layer the Ingredients:

– If you haven’t done it already, place about 1 cup of shredded beef chili con carne into each of the individual pie dishes or spread it all in one large pie dish.
– Pour that beautiful corn bread batter over the chili filling, making sure it’s evenly spread.

1. Time to Bake:

– Place your pie in the oven and set a timer for 20 to 30 minutes if you’re using individual dishes. If you’re baking one large pie, you might want to set the timer for around 35 minutes.

1. Check for Doneness:

– Here’s a tip! About five minutes before you think it’s done, check it. Insert a skewer into the center of the corn bread topping. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! If it has batter on it, pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes.

1. Let It Rest:

– Once the pie is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle and makes serving easier!

And just like that, you’ve got a warm, hearty Chili Con Carne Corn Bread Pie ready to be devoured! Isn’t that easy? I can almost hear the compliments already! Serve it up with a sprinkle of parsley on top, and you’ll have a dish that’ll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Now that our Chili Con Carne Corn Bread Pie is fresh out of the oven, let’s talk about how to serve this delightful dish! There are so many ways to enjoy it, and I can’t wait to share some fun ideas with you!

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs:

– A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness. It’s an easy way to elevate the dish!

• Add a Side Salad:

– A crisp green salad is a great way to balance the richness of the pie. I love a simple mix of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette!

• Pair with Your Favorite Sauce:

– Drizzle some hot sauce or sour cream on top for a little extra flavor kick! Trust me, it’s a game changer!

Variations to Try:

• Vegetable Add-Ins:

– Feel free to toss in some frozen corn or peas into the chili filling before baking! They add color and additional nutrients to your pie.

• Cheesy Goodness:

– If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle some shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) on top of the chili before adding the cornbread batter. It will melt beautifully and add even more flavor!

• Spice It Up:

– Want a little heat? Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder to the chili filling! Just remember, a little goes a long way!

• Make it Mini:

– Use muffin tins to create individual servings! They make for perfect party bites or a fun lunch option!

With these serving suggestions and variations, the possibilities are endless! I love how versatile this dish can be. Whether you keep it classic or jazz it up with some extras, I’m sure it will be a hit at your table! Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!