A Sprinkle of This and That: Cornbread Chili Muffins

Muffin pans are a kitchen tool that can really changes things up...making recipes much more interesting. I am sure you have had chili and cornbread. But, have you had chili in cornbread topped with melted cheese...all in one?

Talk about some tailgating food!

Perfect for those Sunday football games or for watching those playoff baseball games. Did you see? The Chicago Cubs are in the playoffs. They won the wild card spot after beating Pittsburgh. Now they are playing against St. Louis. I have never been so interested in baseball. All of us Cubs fan are hoping to bring an end to this curse once and for all! So, I plan on eating A LOT of tailgate food over the next few days, while the series continues, and Cornbread Chili Muffins will be just perfect!

Warm chili nestled in cornbread muffins topped with melting cheese and sour cream.

I told you that muffin pan was useful for much more than muffins.

Ingredients to make cornbread muffins:

1 1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup cornmeal

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 egg, beaten

non-stick spray

Directions for making cornbread muffins:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray. Mix together until just moistened, 1 1/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup cornmeal, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1 beaten egg. Pour into a prepared muffin pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Ingredients to make chili:

1 1/4 lb ground beef

15 ounce tomato sauce

6 ounces tomato paste

3 Tbsp cornmeal

3 Tbsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 Tbp chili powder

1/2 cup shredded cheddar

1 green onion, chopped

Directions:

Brown meat and drain. Add spices and stir until heated. Cut a hole into each cornbread muffin. Save the tops. Place each cornbread muffin onto a baking sheet. Fill with chili and replace the tops. Top with the shredded cheese and place into a 350 degree oven for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Cornbread Chili Muffins printable recipe

You may have noticed from the list of ingredients that there aren't any beans in the chili. Please feel free to add your favorite. The girls and I love all the flavors of chili without beans...I know, kind of weird. So, I make the chili and pull out a quarter of it for my hubby. I add beans to his chili, then everyone is happy.