Spicy Chili Stuffed Corn Muffins Recipe: Cozy Handheld Joy

Spice up your weekend with these mouthwatering chili stuffed corn muffins that promise to tantalize every taste bud.

Bursting with savory goodness, this chili-packed recipe blends comfort and excitement in one delectable bite.

Each golden-brown muffin delivers a surprising core of hearty chili that melts seamlessly into soft, buttery cornbread.

The combination creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

Packed with robust seasonings and a warm, inviting aroma, these muffins are more than just a side dish.

They transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Let’s find out this irresistible recipe and watch as these chili stuffed corn muffins become the star of your next gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 13

Chili-Stuffed Corn Muffins: What You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornmeal: Select unbleached flour for richer flavor and medium-grind cornmeal for perfect texture; helps create sturdy, tender muffin base.
• Sugar: Balances savory elements and enhances golden-brown crust; use pure cane sugar for best results.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential rising agents that ensure light, fluffy muffin structure with delicate crumb.
• Salt: Amplifies overall flavor profile and balances other ingredients.

• Buttermilk, Egg, Egg Yolk: Provides rich moisture, tender texture, and deep golden color; use fresh, room-temperature eggs for optimal binding.
• Butter, Vegetable Oil: Creates rich, moist muffins with incredible depth of flavor; choose high-quality, neutral-tasting oil.
• Corn Kernels: Adds sweet bursts of freshness and authentic corn flavor; choose sweet, plump kernels.
• Pepper Jack, Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, spicy undertones and creamy richness; select freshly grated cheese for maximum melting potential.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build deep, complex flavor base; choose firm, vibrant vegetables.
• Ground Beef: Select extra-lean cut for healthier, less greasy chili; ensures clean, robust meat flavor.

Bakeware & Tools for Muffin Success

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without overmixing.
• Muffin pan: 12-cup size needed for creating stuffed corn muffins.
• Ice cream scoop: Helps evenly distribute muffin batter into cups.
• Large skillet or oven-safe pot: Ideal for cooking chili filling.
• Serrated knife: Great for slicing muffin tops cleanly.
• Paring knife: Helpful for carefully scooping out muffin centers.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows muffins to cool without getting soggy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Useful for folding ingredients and scraping bowls.

How to Bake Chili Right Into Your Corn Muffins

• Muffin Preparation

Gather all your cooking tools and ingredients. Make sure your kitchen workspace is clean and organized for a smooth cooking experience.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Combine flour, cornmeal, and other dry components in a mixing bowl. Blend them thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

• Wet Ingredient Fusion

Whisk buttermilk, melted butter, oil, and eggs until they create a smooth, cohesive mixture. This step helps create a rich and moist texture.

• Batter Creation

Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together. Add corn and cheese, mixing carefully to maintain a light, fluffy consistency.

• Muffin Pan Setup

Fill muffin cups almost to the top using an ice cream scoop. This technique ensures uniform size and consistent baking.

• Baking Process

Place muffins in a preheated oven. Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean, indicating perfect doneness.

• Chili Preparation

Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in a skillet. Brown ground beef and add seasonings to create a rich, flavorful base.

• Sauce Development

Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture. Simmer until the chili reaches a thick, hearty consistency.

• Muffin Transformation

Carefully slice muffin tops and hollow out centers. Fill each muffin with warm chili, creating a delightful handheld meal.

• Final Touches

Sprinkle cheese and add a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious chili-stuffed corn muffins.

Clever Twists & Smart Substitutions

• Prepare the chili filling a day before and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, creating an even more delicious stuffing for your corn muffins.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter twist. Add diced jalapeños or green chilies to kick up the heat level and create a zesty flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a Mexican blend. Sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving for a melty, irresistible finish.
• Store leftover stuffed muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain their crispy texture and warm filling.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these muffins accessible for those with dietary restrictions. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a complete alternative.

Fun Serving Ideas That Bring the Heat

• Comfort Food Feast: Pair these chili-stuffed corn muffins with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, hearty flavors and add a refreshing crunch.
• Crowd-Pleasing Platter: Create a build-your-own station by serving extra chili on the side, offering toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and extra cheese so guests can customize their muffins.
• Cozy Dinner Companion: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to complement the muffins' savory profile and add nutritional balance to the meal.
• Weekend Game Day Delight: Transform these muffins into bite-sized appetizers by cutting them smaller, perfect for sports watching parties or casual gatherings where finger foods reign supreme.

Storing & Reheating Muffins Without Losing Flavor

• Smart Storage Solutions: Store cooled chili stuffed muffins in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer bags. These delectable treats can be frozen for 4-6 weeks, perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring crispy edges and a hot, gooey center. Microwave works too, but might soften the muffin's texture.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Keep chili and muffins stored separately to prevent soggy bottoms. Assemble just before serving for the best taste and crunch, allowing each component to retain its original delightful qualities.

Savory Chili Stuffed Corn Muffins Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Hearty chili stuffed corn muffins blend spicy southwest flavors into a portable meal perfect for gatherings. Savory cornbread pockets cradle rich chili, offering you a delightful handheld comfort classic.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb extra lean ground beef
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cornmeal (medium grind)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or well-drained canned)
• 1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack or sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) petite diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 3 tbsps vegetable or corn oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup buttermilk or acidified milk
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• ½ tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano (crushed)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2½ tsps baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
• Shredded Pepper Jack or sharp cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or paper liners.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Liquid Component Blend: Combine buttermilk, melted butter, vegetable oil, whole eggs, and egg yolk until perfectly smooth.
4. Batter Creation: Merge wet and dry ingredients gently, allowing slight lumps to remain. Fold in corn kernels and cheddar cheese evenly.
5. Muffin Filling: Distribute batter using an ice cream scoop, filling each cavity nearly to the top.
6. Baking Process: Bake for 16-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Rest muffins in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
7. Chili Base Development: Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking into small pieces and browning thoroughly.
8. Flavor Layering: Introduce Worcestershire sauce and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, thyme, black pepper). Pour in marinara sauce and water, simmering for 25-30 minutes.
9. Muffin Preparation: Slice muffin tops with a serrated knife and carefully hollow out centers, maintaining a half-inch border.
10. Final Assembly: Fill hollowed muffins with hot chili, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese, and top with a generous dollop of sour cream.
11. Buttermilk Hack: If needed, create homemade buttermilk by mixing white vinegar or lemon juice with whole milk and allowing to sit for five minutes before use.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for dry and wet ingredients to ensure perfect muffin texture and consistency.
• Avoid Overmixing: Stir batter gently until just combined to prevent tough, dense muffins with a rubbery texture.
• Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to reach room temperature for smoother batter and better rise.
• Customize Chili: Adjust spice levels and seasonings to match personal taste preferences without compromising the recipe’s core flavors.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg