Southern-style chili and cornbread
Southern-style chili and cornbread is a hearty, comforting meal pairing a rich, meaty chili with a dense, slightly sweet cornbread. The chili typically features ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices like chili powder and cumin, while the cornbread is made from cornmeal, buttermilk, and sometimes a touch of sugar. This combination is a staple in the Southern United States, often enjoyed as a warming, satisfying dinner.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the cornbread and beans, with a good amount of protein from the beef and beans, and moderate fat from the meat and cooking oils. Key nutrients include fiber, iron, and B vitamins, with a rough calorie range of 500-700 per serving depending on portion sizes and recipe specifics.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Potassium | 650 mg |
| Vitamin A | 850 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Magnesium | 70 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Zinc | 3.8 mg |
Per 1 bowl (350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this pairing reflects the Southern tradition of combining savory and slightly sweet elements for balance, and it's often a communal dish served at gatherings. Nutritionally, the cornbread provides a quick energy boost from carbs, while the chili offers sustained energy through protein and fiber, making it a well-rounded comfort food.
