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Beef Chili with Beans: Easy Cozy Recipe + Homemade Cornbread

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This comforting beef chili with beans is rich, savory, and a little smoky, paired with fluffy homemade cornbread for the ultimate cozy meal. Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or when you need a warm, satisfying dinner in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal (stone-ground preferred)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the red bell pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  7. In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and honey. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined.
  8. Pour cornbread batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly before slicing.
  9. Taste chili and adjust salt and pepper. Serve chili hot in bowls, topped with cheese, sour cream, or cilantro if desired, alongside cornbread wedges.

Notes

For gluten-free cornbread, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version. Add jalapeño or chipotle for extra spice. Cornbread is best with room temperature egg and buttermilk. Chili flavors deepen overnight—great for make-ahead meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef chili, chili with beans, homemade cornbread, comfort food, easy chili, family dinner, game night, cozy recipes

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/beef-chili-with-beans-easy-cozy-recipe-plus-homemade-cornbread/