Classic Chili and Cornbread Muffins

There is nothing like settling into a warm bowl of classic chili with freshly baked cornbread muffins on the side. This is the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with rich, savory aromas and brings everyone to the table. The chili simmers low and slow until the flavors deepen, while the muffins rise into soft, buttery perfection. Whether you choose the simple cheddar cornbread or go bold with jalapeño cheddar, each bite is comforting, hearty, and delicious. This is home cooking at its very best.

Why You Are Going to Love This Recipe

• It is the perfect cozy meal for cold evenings, football days, or easy weeknight dinners.
• The chili layers bold spices, tender beef, and hearty beans for a classic, satisfying flavor.
• The cornbread muffins bake up soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, balancing the savory chili.
• You get two cornbread options: cheddar or jalapeño cheddar, depending on your mood.
• Everything comes together with simple pantry staples for a stress free comfort meal.

Ingredients

Classic Chili

Ground beef
Crushed tomatoes
Beef stock or broth
Onions, chopped
Bell peppers, chopped
Tomatoes, chopped
Pinto beans
Kidney beans
Tomato paste
Garlic
Ancho chili powder
Chipotle chili powder
Salt
Black pepper
Cumin
Smoked paprika
Oil for cooking

Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

Martha White Buttermilk cornbread and muffin mix
Milk
Mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Melted butter

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

Martha White Mexican style cornbread and muffin mix
Milk
Mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Egg
Melted butter

Garnish

Parsley, chopped
Jalapeños, sliced
Honey
Sour cream

How to Make the Classic Chili

1. Heat a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
2. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until the onions turn soft and translucent.
3. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook briefly to deepen the flavor.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and allow everything to simmer together.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the pinto and kidney beans.
6. Stir well, cover, and let the chili cook until rich and flavorful.
7. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.

How to Make Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Add the buttermilk cornbread mix to a bowl.
3. Mix in the milk and shredded cheddar until combined.
4. Divide into muffin cups and bake until golden.
5. Brush the warm muffins with melted butter.

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Add the Mexican style cornbread mix to a bowl.
3. Mix in the milk, beaten egg, and shredded cheddar.
4. Divide into muffin cups and bake until lightly crisp on the edges.
5. Brush with melted butter.

How to Serve

Spoon a generous serving of chili into a bowl and top it with sour cream, parsley, and sliced jalapeños. Serve warm cornbread muffins on the side with a drizzle of honey. Let everything melt together for the perfect comforting bite.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Cornbread muffins can be kept at room temperature in a sealed container. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until warm and soft.

Meta Descriptions

160 characters:
Cozy classic chili served with cheddar or jalapeño cornbread muffins. A hearty, comforting meal perfect for cold nights and easy family dinners.

220 characters:
This classic chili with cheddar and jalapeño cornbread muffins is the ultimate comfort meal. Bold, hearty, and easy to make, it is perfect for weeknights, game days, or anytime you want something warm and satisfying.

Print

Classic Chili and Cornbread Muffins

There’s something beautifully simple about a pot of classic chili simmering on the stove while warm, buttery cornbread muffins rise in the oven. This dish brings together everything we crave on a chilly evening: bold flavor, tender beef, hearty beans, and just the right amount of spice, all paired with fluffy cornbread that melts into every spoonful. Whether you go with the rich cheddar version or the tangy jalapeño-studded mix, each muffin becomes the perfect companion to that deep, savory bowl of comfort. It’s a cozy, no-fuss meal that feels like home with every bite.

Course dinner, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword chili, cornbread, dinner, muffins

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6 people

Author kingcooks

Ingredients

• Oil for cooking

Classic Chili

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef stock or broth
• 1 cup onions chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes chopped
• 1/2 cup pinto beans canned
• 1/2 cup kidney beans canned
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp garlic minced or paste
• 1 tsp ancho chili powder
• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
• 1 tsp black pepper plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

• 1 6 oz pouch Martha White Buttermilk Cornbread and Muffin Mix
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese shredded
• Melted butter for after baking

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

• 1 6 oz punch Martha White Mexican Style Cornbread and Muffin Mix
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 large egg beaten
• Melted butter for after baking

Garnish

• Parsley chopped
• Jalapeños sliced (optional)
• Honey for serving
• Sour cream for serving

Instructions

Classic Chili

• To a large pot of Dutch oven over medium heat, add some oil and brown the ground beef.
• Once browned, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Allow to sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
• Now, add tomato paste and cook down for 1-2 minutes.
• Then, add the chopped tomatoes and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Add the entire can of crushed tomatoes, followed by the pinto and kidney beans.
• Stir to combine and cover to cook for 30-45 mins over medium-low heat.

Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Empty one pouch of Martha White Buttermilk Cornbread & Muffin mix into a bowl.
• Add 2/3 cup milk and 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar.
• Mix together to combine and divide evenly into muffins. Should make six medium-sized muffins.
• Once out of the oven, brush with melted butter and serve!

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Empty one pouch of Martha White Mexican Style Cornbread & Muffin mix into a bowl.
• Add 2/3 cup milk, the beaten egg, and 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar.
• Mix together to combine and divide evenly into muffins. Should make six medium-sized muffins.
• Once out of the oven, brush with melted butter and serve!

Assemble

• Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once ready, serve with a side of the cornbread muffins and garnish with sour cream, parsley, and a few slices of jalapeño. Enjoy!

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this. These Short Rib Chili Pot Pies take rich, slow-braised short rib chili and tuck it beneath a golden, buttery cornbread topping. Each bite is packed with smoky spices, juicy tomatoes, and a trio of hearty Goya beans—kidney, black, and pinto—for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is indulgent. Finished with a brush of honey butter and a sprinkle of cheddar, this dish is the perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Baked in individual ramekins, these pot pies are great for cozy nights in or serving up something special for game day. Whether you’re gathering with friends or simply treating yourself, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe

• Bold and flavorful – Slow-braised short rib chili is infused with smoky spices and chipotle for deep, rich flavor.
• Perfectly portioned – Individual ramekins make serving easy and elegant.
• Sweet and savory contrast – A touch of honey butter on the cornbread topping balances the smoky, hearty chili.
• Comfort food at its finest – Tender beef, warm spices, and cheesy cornbread come together in the coziest way.
• Pressure cooker option – Save time by making the chili in a pressure cooker!

How to Make Short Rib Chili Pot Pie

Make the Short Rib Chili

1. Season the short rib pieces with salt and pepper.
2. In a pan over medium heat, add oil and sear the short ribs in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
4. Deglaze with red wine, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
5. Stir in beef stock, crushed tomatoes, and chipotle peppers.
6. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic.
7. Return the seared short rib to the pan, add jalapeños and fresh tomatoes, then cover and let simmer on low until the beef is fall-apart tender.
8. Shred the short rib into smaller pieces, then stir in Goya kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and fresh parsley. Simmer for a few more minutes.

Make the Cornbread Topping

1. In a bowl, mix the corn muffin mix with eggs and half and half until combined. Let rest for a few minutes.

Make the Honey Butter

1. In a small bowl, mix butter, honey, and salt until smooth. Set aside.

Assemble & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Divide the chili into individual ramekins, then top each with shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Spoon a layer of cornbread batter over the chili.
4. Place ramekins on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cornbread is cooked through.
5. Brush the tops with honey butter and serve with sour cream and diced red onion, if desired.

Pressure Cooker Instructions

1. Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Heat oil and sear the short ribs until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onions and sauté until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute.
3. Deglaze with red wine, then add beef stock, crushed tomatoes, chipotle peppers, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic.
4. Return the short ribs to the pot, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 40 minutes.
5. Allow natural release, then shred the beef. Stir in Goya kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and fresh parsley.
6. Follow the remaining assembly and baking steps as written.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – The chili can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling.
• Reheat – Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If frozen, bake from frozen at 375°F until bubbly and hot.

This Short Rib Chili Pot Pie is everything you crave in a comfort meal—rich, hearty, and irresistibly cozy. Whether you slow-braise it or take the pressure cooker shortcut, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy!

Print

Short Rib Chili Pot Pie

Comfort food just got a mouthwatering makeover with these Short Rib Chili Pot Pies. Imagine tender, slow-braised short rib chili simmered to perfection with smoky spices, juicy tomatoes, and a trio of hearty Goya beans—kidney, black, and pinto—for a rich, satisfying base. All of this goodness is tucked beneath a fluffy, golden cornbread topping that’s kissed with honey butter for a touch of sweetness. Portioned perfectly in individual ramekins, these pot pies are the ultimate in cozy, feel-good dining. Goya Foods brings unparalleled quality and flavor to the beans, ensuring every bite is as wholesome as it is delicious. Topped with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and served with a dollop of sour cream, this dish is a true showstopper. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or hosting guest for the big game, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Course brunch, dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword chili, pot pie, short ribs

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Servings 8

Author kingcooks

Equipment

• 8-10 ramekins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup mild cheddar shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 red onion diced (optional)

Short Rib Chili

• 2-3 lbs beef short rib boneless cut into 1 inch pieces
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup fresh tomatoes chopped
• 1 cup onion chopped
• 1/2 cup canned Goya Kinney beans drained
• 1/2 cup canned Goya black beans drained
• 1/2 cup canned Goya pinto beans drained
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup parsley chopped
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tbsp jalapeño seeded and chopped
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano dried
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Oil for cooking

Cornbread Topping

• 2 – 8.5 oz package corn muffin mix
• 2 egg
• 2/3 cup half and half

Honey Butter

• 8 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Short Rib Chili

• Season the chunks of boneless short rib with salt and pepper.
• Working in batches, sear the meat on both sides in a pan over medium heat with some oil.
• Allow to sear for 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, set aside.
• In the same pan, sauté onions for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned.
• Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes.
• Deglaze the pan with red wine. Allow the alcohol to cook off for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in beef stock, crushed tomatoes, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic.
• Stir to combine, then return the seared short rib to the pan.
• Add the chopped jalapeños and freshly chopped tomatoes.
• Stir, cover, and cook over medium-low heat until the short rib is super tender. This should take 2-2.5 hours.
• Once the short rib is tender, break it apart into small chunks. Stir in the trio of beans (kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans) and freshly chopped parsley.
• Let cook for a final 5-10 minutes.

Cornbread Topping

• In a large bowl, add all the ingredients listed under “Cornbread Topping.” Mix thoroughly. Let the batter rest for 2-3 minutes.

Honey Butter

• In a small bowl, add all ingredients listed under “Honey Butter.” Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Assemble

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Divide the chili into individual 6 oz ramekins. Add a layer of cheddar cheese, then top with a layer of the cornbread batter.
• Place the ramekins on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cornbread is cooked through.
• To check doneness, pierce the center with a toothpick. It should come out with soft crumbs. If not, return to the oven and cook in 5-minute intervals until done.
• Once cooked, brush the tops with honey butter and serve with sour cream.