Savory Corn Pone Casserole
This Savory Corn Pone Casserole is a heartwarming dish that combines the rich flavors of a hearty Chili con Carne with a delightful cornbread topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is both filling and satisfying. While it does require a bit of simmering time for the chili to develop its robust flavors, the actual preparation is simple and quick! It’s a nostalgic recipe that’s perfect for sharing, as my mom used to make it for special occasions. Each bite delivers a comforting combination of savory beef, spices, and sweet cornbread that you won't be able to resist. Although it’s meant to serve 6, you might find that you and your loved ones enjoy it so much that it only serves 3! Feel free to double the recipe to ensure everyone gets a taste. Enjoy this delightful dish that brings the warmth of home cooking to your table!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
3 tablespoons (For cooking)
Onion
1 (Sliced)
Ground Beef
1 lb (Raw)
Minced Garlic
1 tablespoon (Raw)
Red Kidney Beans or Chili Beans
1 can (Drained and rinsed)
Tomato Sauce
2 cans (Can substitute with stewed or canned tomatoes)
Chili Powder
1 tablespoon (Spice)
Crushed Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Optional, to taste)
Crushed Clove
1/8 teaspoon (Spice)
Salt
to taste (Seasoning)
Paprika
to taste (Seasoning)
Cornmeal
3/4 cup (Dry ingredient)
Flour
1 cup (All-purpose)
Sugar
1/3 cup (Granulated)
Baking Powder
3 teaspoons (Leavening agent)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (Seasoning)
Milk
1 cup (Dairy)
Egg
1 (Well beaten)
Melted Butter or Shortening
2 tablespoons (Fat for cornbread)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Chili con Carne, as it will need to simmer for about one hour.
2
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
3
Once the oil is hot, slice the onion and add it to the skillet. Sauté the onions until they become translucent.
4
Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the beef is browned.
5
Next, incorporate the kidney beans and tomato sauce, followed by the chili powder, optional cayenne pepper, and crushed cloves. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for one hour, or until thickened to your liking. Season with salt and paprika to taste.
7
While the chili simmers, prepare the cornbread batter: sift together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
8
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter or shortening. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
9
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
10
To assemble the casserole, pour the simmered Chili con Carne into a 1.5-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
11
Pour the cornbread batter over the chili, being careful to cover it without disturbing the chili too much.
12
Transfer the casserole dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through. An inserted toothpick should come out clean.
13
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Corn Pone Casserole?
Savory Corn Pone Casserole is a heartwarming dish that combines the rich flavors of a hearty Chili con Carne with a delightful cornbread topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to serve 6 people, though its popularity might mean it serves fewer in practice.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The Chili con Carne should simmer for about one hour until it reaches your desired thickness.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What meat is used in this casserole?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of raw ground beef.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
The casserole should bake for 20 minutes.
How do I know when the cornbread topping is fully cooked?
The cornbread is done when it is golden and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.
What size casserole dish is needed for this recipe?
A 1.5-quart casserole dish is required for assembly.
Can I substitute the tomato sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the tomato sauce with stewed or canned tomatoes.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
No, the crushed cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
What type of beans are used in the chili?
The recipe uses one can of red kidney beans or chili beans, drained and rinsed.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of raw minced garlic.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onion should be sliced and sautéed in oil until it becomes translucent.
What dry ingredients are needed for the cornbread batter?
The dry ingredients include 3/4 cup cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
What wet ingredients are needed for the cornbread batter?
The wet ingredients are 1 cup milk, 1 well-beaten egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter or shortening.
Should the dry ingredients for the cornbread be sifted?
Yes, the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt should be sifted together in a large bowl.
How do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Pour the simmered chili into the bottom of the dish and then pour the cornbread batter over the top.
How long should I cook the beef and garlic?
Cook the ground beef and minced garlic for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned.
Can I use shortening instead of butter for the cornbread?
Yes, you can use either melted butter or shortening as the fat for the cornbread.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What spices are used to season the chili?
The chili is seasoned with chili powder, crushed clove, salt, and paprika.
How much oil is used to sauté the onions?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of oil.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to begin preparing the Chili con Carne so it has time to simmer.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can double the recipe to ensure everyone gets a taste, as it is very popular.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is in the cornbread?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
Is the egg added directly to the dry ingredients?
No, the egg should be whisked with the milk and melted butter before being added to the dry ingredients.
What should I do with the kidney beans before adding them?
The kidney beans should be drained and rinsed before being incorporated into the skillet.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is described as a nostalgic family recipe that the author's mother used to make for special occasions.
How much baking powder is required for the topping?
The cornbread topping requires 3 teaspoons of baking powder.