Celebrate the Fourth of July with a Delicious Chili and Cornbread Casserole

Easy Holiday Casserole Recipe Using Frontier Soups Mixes
Updated for 2025

Looking for a flavorful and easy Fourth of July recipe that will wow your friends and family? This Chili and Cornbread Casserole combines two classic comfort foods—hearty chili and golden cornbread—into one delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you're planning a backyard cookout, picnic, or potluck, this layered casserole is festive, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make using Anderson House mixes.

A Personal Fourth of July Food Discovery

As someone who has lived in the U.S. for only a year and a half, I’m still discovering many of the country’s holidays and traditions. One celebration that captured my heart early on is the Fourth of July. With its dazzling fireworks, vibrant parades, and warm gatherings around the grill, it's a feast for the senses—and for the table.

Naturally, as a food lover, my curiosity turned to what people typically eat during this holiday. I asked my colleagues for ideas, and Kris from Customer Support suggested something both festive and easy: a Chili and Cornbread Casserole.

And just like that—a lightbulb moment! What better way to celebrate than with a dish made from our very own Frontier Soups Montana Creekside Classic Chili and Appalachian Trail Cornbread Mix?

Chili and Cornbread Casserole Recipe

A patriotic, flavorful casserole perfect for summer gatherings

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 package Frontier Soups Montana Creekside Classic Chili

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1½ lbs. ground chuck

• 1½ cups beef broth (12 oz)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar

For the Cornbread:

• 1 package Anderson House Appalachian Trail Cornbread Mix

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 large eggs

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chili

1. In a 3 or 4-quart pot, heat the oil. Add ground chuck and brown thoroughly over medium to medium-high heat.

2. Stir in the chili mix. Add broth, diced tomatoes, red wine vinegar, and sugar.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes.

4. Remove the whole chili pepper after simmering. Set the chili aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8x8-inch casserole pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. Stir in the cornbread mix.

3. Melt the butter in the microwave and swirl it around the pan to coat. Add the rest of the butter to the batter and stir to combine.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cooked chili into the prepared pan.

2. Top with cornbread batter.

3. Bake at 375°F for 35–45 minutes, or until the center is firm and lightly browned.

Let cool slightly, then slice and serve!

Why This Recipe is Perfect for the Fourth

Whether you're celebrating Independence Day with a cookout, camping trip, or cozy dinner at home, this patriotic casserole recipe brings warmth and comfort to the table. The rich chili pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet cornbread for a dish that's both nostalgic and fresh.

And even though I’m new to this culture and still discovering its rich traditions, this recipe celebrates how food connects us—no matter where we come from. It’s a festive July 4th recipe that tastes like summer and feels like home.

Try this recipe? Tag us on Instagram @frontiersoups and show us your Fourth of July feast!

Looking for more ideas? Explore our full range of easy soup and baking mixes—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight meals.