Hearty Vegan Chili Cornbread Casserole: The Ultimate One-Pan Plant-Based Fall Comfort Food

This Vegan Chili Cornbread Casserole, crafted with rich Eden Foods Black Bean & Quinoa Chili and topped with golden vegan cornbread, offers a supremely cozy, plant-based, and incredibly easy one-pan dinner perfect for any season, especially the cooler months.

As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on that crisp, invigorating chill, my thoughts inevitably drift to “fall-ification.” For me, this annual ritual involves more than just a seasonal wardrobe change; it’s about transforming my home into a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. Out come the cozy sweaters, a vibrant fall wreath adorns the front door, and my collection of pumpkin décor takes center stage. This year, I even indulged in four planters of stunning mums for the front steps, their petals bursting in beautiful burnt sienna and crimson red hues. While I know their verdant beauty is fleeting, a cherished gift before the first hard frost, I intend to savor every moment of their autumn glory.

And speaking of things that are here to stay, especially as autumn deepens into winter, nothing quite beats the embrace of hearty, comforting meals. This is the season for nourishing dishes that warm you from the inside out, filling your home with inviting aromas and your belly with satisfying goodness. When it comes to classic comfort pairings, few combinations are as beloved and timeless as chili and cornbread. Growing up, my mom often served them side-by-side, creating a meal that always felt like a warm hug. That nostalgic feeling inspired me to think: what if we took this classic duo and brought them even closer? What if we truly made them, like, *together*?

My culinary explorations recently led me to an inspiring discovery while browsing through cookbooks: the concept of a Chili Cornbread Casserole. This brilliant idea immediately captivated me. I knew I had to create my own plant-based version, one that would effortlessly combine a robust, flavorful chili with a fluffy, golden cornbread topping, all baked together in a single pan. The star of this culinary creation? Eden Foods Black Bean & Quinoa Chili, providing a convenient and incredibly delicious foundation for this ultimate vegan comfort food.

Crafting Your One-Pan Vegan Chili Cornbread Casserole

Creating this satisfying vegan chili cornbread casserole is surprisingly simple, designed for those busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward steps and wholesome ingredients. Before diving into the full recipe details in the card below, let’s explore the components that make this dish so special.

Essential Ingredients for a Wholesome Bake

To embark on this delightful culinary journey, you’ll need a selection of pantry staples and a few star ingredients. For the rich and flavorful chili base, we rely on the convenience and quality of Eden Foods Black Bean & Quinoa Chili. For the light and airy cornbread topping, you’ll gather items like ground flaxseed (to create a vegan “flax egg”), gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly option, cornmeal for that classic texture, baking powder for lift, a touch of Himalayan sea salt for balance, pure maple syrup for a hint of sweetness, unsweetened almond milk for moisture, and vegan butter for richness. These carefully chosen ingredients ensure a delicious, plant-based, and often gluten-free result that caters to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

The Art of Vegan Cornbread (Simplified!)

The cornbread topping is truly what elevates this dish from a simple bowl of chili to a comforting casserole masterpiece. The process begins with preparing a flax egg, a fantastic vegan binder made from ground flaxseed and water, which rests for a few minutes to achieve a gel-like consistency. In parallel, dry ingredients like gluten-free flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt are whisked together. The wet ingredients – maple syrup, almond milk, and melted vegan butter – are then combined with the flax egg. Finally, the dry and wet mixtures are gently brought together, forming a smooth, pourable cornbread batter. This simple method ensures a perfectly moist and tender cornbread that bakes beautifully on top of the chili, creating an irresistible golden crust. Setting this batter aside allows you to focus on the chili, knowing your delicious topping is ready to go when needed.

Eden Foods Black Bean & Quinoa Chili: A True Game Changer

While I certainly appreciate the nuanced flavors of a homemade chili simmering on the stove for hours, there are times when convenience is paramount without sacrificing quality or taste. This is precisely where canned chili, and specifically Eden Foods Black Bean & Quinoa Chili, becomes an absolute lifesaver. It’s not just any canned chili; it’s a premium, organic option that stands out for its thoughtful ingredients and robust flavor profile.

This exceptional chili is crafted with organic black turtle beans, known for their creamy texture and earthy taste, combined with nutrient-rich organic quinoa, which adds a delightful chewiness and a boost of plant-based protein. What truly sets it apart is the inclusion of maitake and shiitake mushrooms, contributing a unique umami depth and a pleasant texture that elevates the overall experience. The consistency is wonderfully thick and hearty, making it incredibly satisfying on its own, and its mildly spicy, distinctly unique flavor profile is a testament to the quality of its organic ingredients.

Beyond its incredible taste, I particularly appreciate that this chili is packed with both protein and fiber. This means it’s not just a delicious base for a casserole, but a genuinely fulfilling and nutritious meal in itself. My partner M and I always make sure to have several cans stocked in our pantry – they’re essential for camping trips, providing a quick, warm, and wholesome meal when we’re off-grid, and perfect for those “just in case” moments at home when hunger strikes and time is short. Tonight, however, this stellar canned chili steps into the spotlight as the undisputed star of our one-pan casserole creation!

To prepare the chili for the casserole, simply transfer the contents of the cans to a large pot and gently heat it over medium heat, covered with a lid. Allow it to warm through until it’s bubbling gently. This step ensures an even distribution of flavors and a consistent temperature before it goes into the oven. Once heated, pour the chili into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread it into an even layer. While you technically could pour the chili straight from the can into the dish, pre-heating it on the stovetop helps to break up any thicker parts and makes spreading it much easier, ensuring every spoonful of your casserole is perfectly uniform and delicious.

Assembling and Baking Your Chili Cornbread Masterpiece

With your chili warm and evenly spread in the casserole dish, it’s time for the magical transformation! Gently pour the prepared cornbread batter directly over the chili. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, carefully spread the batter into an even layer, ensuring it covers as much of the chili surface as possible. This creates a beautiful, seamless top layer that will become wonderfully golden and crusty during baking.

Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread layer comes out clean. The edges of the cornbread should be beautifully golden brown, and you might even see charming cracks appear on the surface – a hallmark of a perfectly baked cornbread. There’s something truly satisfying and a little bit magical about watching the cornbread puff up and bake right on top of the hearty chili below! Once out of the oven, it’s crucial to let the casserole cool for about 15 minutes. This brief resting period allows all the layers to set properly, ensuring clean, delicious servings every time.

Flexible Swaps and Creative Substitutions

One of the many reasons to love this Vegan Chili Cornbread Casserole is its adaptability. While the recipe is designed to be gluten-free and vegan, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for easy swaps to suit your pantry or dietary preferences.

• **Flour:** If gluten isn’t a concern for you, feel free to substitute the gluten-free all-purpose flour with regular all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio. The cornbread will still turn out beautifully.
• **Milk:** Any unsweetened plant-based milk can be used in place of almond milk. Soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk would all work well, contributing their unique subtle flavors to the cornbread.
• **Fat:** Instead of vegan butter, you can use an equal amount of your favorite vegetable oil, such as avocado oil, melted coconut oil (if you don’t mind a faint coconut flavor), or canola oil. The key is to provide the necessary moisture and richness for the cornbread.
• **Chili:** While I wholeheartedly recommend Eden Foods Black Bean & Quinoa Chili for its exceptional quality and flavor, you can certainly use any other canned chili you prefer, or even your favorite homemade chili recipe. Just ensure the consistency is thick enough to hold up under the cornbread topping.

These simple adjustments mean you can enjoy this comforting casserole no matter what you have on hand, or what specific dietary needs you’re catering to.

Serving Suggestions & Leftover Love

This Vegan Chili Cornbread Casserole is the quintessential easy weeknight meal. It’s designed to be ready in under an hour, making it a perfect solution for busy evenings. With its generous yield of 8-12 servings, it’s also an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or simply ensuring you have delicious leftovers for the week ahead.

When it comes to serving, think about all your favorite chili toppings – they’ll be fantastic here! I highly recommend a dollop of vegan sour cream or a swirl of plain vegan yogurt for a creamy contrast. Fresh, vibrant salsa adds a tangy kick, while a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro brightens up every bite. If you love a little heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce will take this casserole to the next level. For an extra boost of freshness and nutrition, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. This balance of hearty and fresh makes for a truly complete and satisfying meal.

One of the best aspects of this casserole is how well it keeps. Leftovers can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready for another cozy meal, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week. Enjoy the comfort and convenience!

More Plant-Based Chili Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of chili, you’re in luck! There’s a world of delicious plant-based chili recipes waiting to be discovered. Here are some of my other favorites that are perfect for any time of year:

• Vegan Chocolate Chili

• Black Bean Quinoa Chili

• Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Summertime White Bean Chili

• Spicy Tempeh Bell Pepper Chili

• “Clean out the Fridge” Vegetable Chili

I Want to Hear From You!

I absolutely love hearing about your culinary adventures! If you try this Vegan Chili Cornbread Casserole, please be sure to leave a comment and a rating below. Your feedback helps me create even more delicious recipes for you. Don’t forget to give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino so I can see your beautiful creations!

For more plant-based inspiration, check out my Pinterest page, where you can pin this recipe and many others to make later. Love this post and want to stay updated with all my latest recipes? Head over to my homepage and subscribe to get delicious updates delivered straight to your inbox!

XO Lauren

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This post is brought to you by Eden Foods, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!