Hearty Corn Bread Chili Pie – Perfect Comfort Food Recipe
Imagine a chilly night, something is simmering on the stove, and the smell is drawing everyone together in the kitchen. And now, add some southern charm to that scenario, and ta-da! You have Reese Witherspoon’s Corn Bread Chili Pie Recipe. As a culinary explorer, I verify that this recipe will bring comfort and delight to your table.
Let’s talk about this amazing combination of flavors; cornbread layered between two scrumptious layers of chili made with ground beef and pork, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chili seasoning topped with sour cream, green onions, and salsa. Who does not like chili? But wait till you try this chili pie recipe by Reese Witherspoon.
Believe me, when I say Reese Witherspoon’s Corn Bread Chili Pie Recipe is good enough to make for a cozy family evening or even for that grand party dinner! The best thing about this recipe is that it’s easy to make and quick to assemble since we are using instant pot or oven baking whichever suits your mood. So get ready to elevate your dinner recipes with this ultimate chili pie recipe by Reese Witherspoon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a hearty and delicious meal to warm you up on a cold winter day? Look no further than Reese Witherspoon’s Corn Bread Chili Pie recipe. This recipe is the perfect combination of savory chili, comforting cornbread, and just the right amount of spice to tantalize your taste buds.
What sets this recipe apart from other chili recipes is the addition of cornbread that’s baked right on top of the chili, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. The result is a one-pan meal that’s easy to make and even easier to clean up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Not only is this recipe delicious, it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions by using ground beef or pork, or even making it vegetarian by replacing the meat with more beans or veggie crumbles. And if you have any leftover chili, don’t worry, it makes a great topping for nachos or baked potatoes.
One thing that I love about this recipe is the use of sour cream, green onion, and salsa as toppings. They add tangy and fresh notes and help cut through the richness of the chili and cornbread. It’s like having a party in your mouth!
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party with friends, Reese Witherspoon’s Corn Bread Chili Pie recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this famous Reese Witherspoon’s Corn Bread Chili Pie Recipe:
- Corn bread: 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix or your favorite brand
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Ground pork: 2 pounds
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Chili seasoning packets: 1.75 oz packets (approximately 4 tbsp)
- Canned diced tomatoes: 2 cans (14.5 oz each)
- Tomato paste: 1 can (6 oz)
- Chicken broth: 1 cup
- Kidney beans: 1 can (15.5 oz), drained and rinsed
- Frozen corn kernels: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 2/3 cup
For the toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onion, and salsa.
Note that you can adjust the quantity of ingredients according to the number of servings or personal preference.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to get started with making Reese Witherspoon’s Corn Bread Chili Pie. This recipe will require you to do some multitasking, but don’t worry, I’ll guide you through every step of the way.
Making the Chili
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In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add 1 medium onion chopped and 2 cloves garlic minced. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent.
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Add 1 lb ground beef and 1 lb ground pork to the pot along with 2 packets chili seasoning. Break up the meats as they cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are no longer pink.
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Now add a can of diced tomatoes, a can of kidney beans, and a cup of frozen corn to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.
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Last but not least, add a tablespoon of tomato paste, followed by 1 ¾ cups of chicken broth. Give everything a good stir then let it simmer on low for about 20-30 minutes while you prepare the cornbread.
Preparing the Cornbread Mixture
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a medium-size bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, and a tablespoon of whiskey (optional).
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Add in one package of Reese Witherspoon’s Cornbread Mix and stir together until smooth.
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Lastly, fold in half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.
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You should now have an even mixture of cornbread batter that can be poured over your chili.
Assembling the Corn Bread Chili Pie
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Get yourself a baking dish or cast iron skillet, whichever you prefer.
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Spoon your chili mixture into the bottom of your dish/skillet until it’s about two-thirds full.
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Now pour your cornbread mixture on top of your chili, smoothing out any lumps or bumps with a spatula.
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Bake in preheated oven for around 25-30 minutes or till when toothpick inserted comes out clean and top is golden brown and crispy.
Garnishing Your Corn Bread Chili Pie
Before serving your piping hot Corn Bread Chili Pie, you can gargish them with some chopped green onions/cilantro for some freshness; dollop some sour cream on top; a scoop of salsa; or whatever else feels right!
Now that you’re armed with all these tips, grab yourself an apron and start cooking!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up a bit on this classic recipe? Well, I’m here to guide you through some tasty and creative substitutions and variations!
Firstly, if you’re a vegetarian, no worries! You can easily make some adjustments to ensure that the recipe meets your dietary requirements. Instead of using ground pork or beef, you can substitute it with some plant-based protein such as textured vegetable protein (TVP) or veggie crumbles.
For those who prefer something more spicy, substitute the chili seasoning packets with jalapeños and hot sauce. If you like it even hotter, add sliced serrano peppers or cayenne pepper to your taste.
Adding some canned black beans to replace the kidney beans could also give the dish a unique flavor twist. Or if you are feeling adventurous, why not trying adding some chorizo instead of ground beef?
Lastly, for those of us who like more texture in our meal, try adding diced bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch. Another option would be topping the chili pie with shredded cheddar cheese before placing it in the oven!
These substitutions and variations are just a few ideas for making this dish your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combination!
Serving and Pairing
Once your cornbread chili pie is cooked and ready to be served, you’ll need to think carefully about your presentation. I would suggest serving it in generous portions on a large platter, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of finely chopped green onion. This will give your dish a vibrant pop of color that will look as good as it tastes.
Cornbread chili pie is a hearty and filling dish that pairs beautifully with other comfort foods like mac and cheese or roasted potatoes. If you’re looking for something lighter to serve alongside it, try pairing it with a simple garden salad dressed with salsa.
This dish also pairs well with a crisp and refreshing beer, which can help cut through the richness of the chili and cornbread. If beer isn’t your thing, reach for a bold red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, finish off your meal with a shot of whiskey in a teacup – it’s an old southern tradition!
Ultimately, how you choose to serve and pair your cornbread chili pie comes down to personal preference. Try experimenting with different side dishes and drinks until you find the combination that’s just right for you.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of this corn bread chili pie recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time, or leftovers can be saved for future meals. If you plan to make it ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions and bake the pie as directed. Once cooked and cooled, you can store the leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat the leftover pie, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the pie in an oven-safe dish. Heat it in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high power.
If you want to freeze your leftover chili pie, let it cool completely before slicing it into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap, then seal them in a freezer bag or airtight container. The frozen slices of chili pie will keep well for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat your frozen chili pie, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat your chili pie as directed above.
Pro tip: If you have leftover chili, instead of making another cornbread chili pie, you can freeze the leftover chili itself for later use. Simply let it cool down and transfer it to an airtight container or sealed plastic freezer bag for storage in the freezer. The leftover chili will keep well for up to three months.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for those who love cooking ahead or just need dinner inspiration during a busy week! It’s versatile, easy to reheat and can be frozen for those days when you want something good enough but don’t feel like cooking from scratch.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready and know how to make Reese Witherspoon’s Corn Bread Chili Pie Recipe, I want to give you some tips to ensure that you will get perfect results every time.
Firstly, preheat your oven for at least 15 minutes before baking your pie. This will give your oven enough time to reach the desired temperature, and will help your cornbread to cook evenly.
Secondly, if you’re using an Instant Pot or any other pressure cooker, be sure to use the sauté feature before pressure cooking. This will help the ingredients release their flavors fully, and intensify the flavors of your chili filling.
Thirdly, take care not to over-mix the cornbread batter. Over-mixing can lead to tough and dry cornbread. Rather, mix until just combined and lumpy bits are visible in the batter.
Fourthly, feel free to modify this recipe according to your tastes. Add extra spices or adjust the salt levels according to your preference. Alternatively, you could try vegetarian chili by swapping out ground beef and pork for extra beans or vegetables.
Additionally, you can top your corn bread chili pie with a dollop of sour cream or diced green onions for added creaminess and freshness. You may also serve it with salsa or additional toppings like avocado or crispy bacon bits for extra texture.
Finally, turn leftover chili into a hearty breakfast by whipping up some scrambled eggs and folding in the leftover chili until heated through. For obvious reasons a Whiskey teacup is perfect for those who wish to add a little kick which is good enough after eating dinner recipes day after day. This way nothing goes waste and you get a delicious spicy breakfast out of it!
Follow these tips whenever making this recipe and I guarantee that you’ll have an unforgettable meal that everyone will be asking for recipe!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Reese Witherspoon’s Corn Bread Chili Pie Recipe is a must-try dish for anyone who enjoys delicious food that is easy to prepare. This recipe brings together multiple flavors and textures that make every bite exciting and satisfying.
The best part of this recipe is that you can easily adapt it to suit your personal tastes by swapping out ingredients or tweaking the seasoning. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for a weeknight dinner.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it. So don’t wait any longer, get cooking and taste the deliciousness for yourself!
Reese Witherspoon’s Corn Bread Chili Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 (1 3/4 ounce) packets chili seasoning mix
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (8 1/2 ounce) boxes corn muffin mix
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen corn, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 16 ounces kidney beans, drained
- fresh salsa (to taste)
- chopped green onion, to taste
- sour cream, to taste
- shredded cheddar cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375.
- In a 9 or 10 inch cast iron skillet or saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the onion and saute for 1 minute before adding the garlic. Saute for another minute and add the ground beef and pork, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until the meat is brown.
- Drain off any excess fat and stir in the chili seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix over medium heat for 1 minute, then pour in the chicken broth. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- While the meat simmers, make the corn bread mixture. Stir together the mix, eggs, and milk in a mixing bowl until just combined (do not overmix). I added a little more milk because I heard it made the texture better, but whatever you prefer.
- Stir 1/2 cup of the frozen corn and the cheese into the cornbread batter and set aside. Stir the remaining 1/2 cup of corn and kidney beans into the meat mixture.
- If using a baking dish or casserole dish, transfer the meat mixture from the stove top to the baking dish.
- Pour the corn bread batter over the meat mixture and bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving with optional toppings such as salsa, green onion, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Your Own Notes
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.