Homemade Chili and Honey Butter Cornbread Dinner

Homemade Chili and Honey Butter Cornbread Dinner is a medium Southern American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Southern Mountain Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 45 min | Total: 2 hrs 20 min

Cost: $36.01 total, $4.50 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 cup Cornmeal (fine ground)
  • 2 cup Granulated Sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
  • 3.5 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
  • 0.33 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (can substitute with regular milk)
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (melted for honey butter topping)
  • 6 tablespoon Honey (liquid honey)
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean)
  • 1 Medium Onion (diced)
  • 1 cup Green and Red Pepper Blend (frozen mix saves time)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (kosher)
  • 2 teaspoon Chili Powder (mild flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Steak Seasoning (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Paprika (smoked if available)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 2 can Diced Tomatoes with Chilies (14.5 oz each, undrained)
  • 2 can Kidney Beans (15 oz each, undrained)
  • 1.5 cup Water
  • 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 400°F and let it fully preheat.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Wet Ingredients

    Break the egg into the bowl, add the melted butter, and pour in the buttermilk. Stir just until combined; do not overmix.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare Skillet

    Lightly coat the 9‑inch cast iron skillet with a thin layer of oil, wiping it around the bottom and sides.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Bake Cornbread

    Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and place it in the oven. Bake for 20‑25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: 400°F

  6. Cool and Poke Holes

    Remove the cornbread from the oven, let it sit for 4‑5 minutes, then poke holes across the top with a fork or skewer.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Make Honey‑Butter Topping

    Melt 8 Tbsp butter, then whisk in 6 Tbsp honey until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Glaze Cornbread

    Pour the honey‑butter over the warm cornbread, letting it soak into the holes and edges. Smooth with a spoon and let sit 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Brown Beef and Vegetables

    In a large pot over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and frozen pepper blend. Cook, stirring, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Season the Base

    Stir in pepper, salt, chili powder, steak seasoning, cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Water

    Add the two cans of diced tomatoes (with juices), the two cans of kidney beans (undrained), and 1½ cup water. Stir to combine.

    Time: PT3M

  12. Incorporate Hot Sauce

    Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in hot sauce to taste (1 Tbsp to start).

    Time: PT5M

  13. Simmer Chili

    Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the chili simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT1H30M

  14. Final Taste Check

    Remove the lid, taste the chili, and adjust salt, pepper, or hot sauce if needed. Keep warm until serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Egg, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Homemade Chili and Honey Butter Cornbread Dinner

Recipe by The Southern Mountain Kitchen

A Southern-inspired meal featuring a sweet, buttery honey‑butter cornbread baked in a cast‑iron skillet and a hearty, slow‑simmered beef chili. Perfect for a comforting dinner or weekend gathering.

MediumSouthern AmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
45m
Prep
2h 12m
Cook
21m
Cleanup
3h 18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$36.01
Total cost
$4.50
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat Oven
  • Combine Dry Ingredients
  • Bake Cornbread
  • Brown Beef and Vegetables
  • Simmer Chili

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and cast‑iron skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety.
  • Be careful when melting butter; it can splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade chili and honey butter cornbread in Southern American cuisine?

A

Cornbread has been a staple of Southern cooking since the colonial era, originally made with simple cornmeal and baked over a fire. Adding honey butter reflects the Southern love of sweet‑savory pairings, while chili showcases the region’s embrace of bold, comforting one‑pot meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Southern cornbread in the Southern United States?

A

In the Deep South, cornbread is often made with buttermilk and cooked in a cast‑iron skillet for a crunchy crust. In the Upper South, it may include sugar or honey for sweetness, and some versions add cheese or jalapeños for extra flavor.

cultural
Q

How is homemade chili traditionally served in Southern American households?

A

Southern chili is commonly served hot with a side of cornbread, over rice, or with shredded cheese and chopped onions. It’s a popular dish for family gatherings, game‑day parties, and casual weekend meals.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is homemade chili and honey butter cornbread traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

This combo is a favorite at backyard barbecues, football tailgates, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve, where comfort food and hearty flavors are celebrated.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for Southern chili and honey butter cornbread versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include buttermilk, cornmeal, and ground beef for the chili. Acceptable substitutes are milk with lemon juice for buttermilk, whole‑wheat flour for all‑purpose flour, and ground turkey instead of beef.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with homemade chili and honey butter cornbread?

A

Pair this meal with collard greens, pickled vegetables, a simple green salad, or a side of baked beans for a full Southern spread.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade chili and honey butter cornbread?

A

Common mistakes include overmixing the cornbread batter, not preheating the oven, under‑seasoning the chili, and forgetting to poke holes before adding the honey‑butter glaze.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use buttermilk in the cornbread instead of regular milk?

A

Buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to create extra lift and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the honey butter, resulting in a tender crumb.

technical
Q

Can I make the chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili improves after a night in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove; it can also be frozen for up to three months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the cornbread is done?

A

The top should be golden‑brown with a crisp edge, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. The interior should be moist but not soggy.

technical
Q

How do I know when the chili is done cooking?

A

The chili is done when the beef is tender, the flavors have melded after at least 1½ hours of low simmer, and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Southern Mountain Kitchen specialize in?

A

The Southern Mountain Kitchen focuses on traditional Southern comfort foods, farm‑to‑table recipes, and step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize simple, wholesome ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Southern Mountain Kitchen's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?

A

The Southern Mountain Kitchen combines rustic, home‑style techniques with clear, detailed explanations and often highlights ingredient substitutions for modern kitchens, whereas many other channels focus more on quick shortcuts.

channel

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