**Buffalo Cheddar Cornbread Chili Pie** combines the flavors of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheddar, and hearty chili, all topped with a golden cornbread crust. Here’s how you can make it:
### Ingredients:
**For the Chili:**
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
**For the Cornbread Topping:**
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp buffalo sauce (for extra kick in the cornbread, optional)
### Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Make the Chili:**
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and buffalo sauce. Stir everything together and simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. **Prepare the Cornbread Batter:**
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and buffalo sauce (if using).
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. **Assemble the Pie:**
- Transfer the chili mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet.
- Pour or spread the cornbread batter evenly over the chili mixture.
5. **Bake:**
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through (test with a toothpick in the center).
6. **Serve:**
- Let the buffalo cheddar cornbread chili pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cheddar cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.
Enjoy your spicy, cheesy, and hearty pie!