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Chorizo Chili with Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles: The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food

Discover the perfect harmony of robust flavor and comforting warmth with our Chorizo Chili, exquisitely paired with crispy Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles. This hearty meal is ideal for lively game days, cozy fall evenings, or a bustling neighborhood potluck. Boasting a rich, beefy depth and a delightful kick from spicy chorizo, it’s a dish that truly satisfies. Serve it generously atop golden cornbread waffles, crowned with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro for a truly well-rounded and unforgettable culinary experience!

Can you believe it’s already November? It feels like just yesterday we were carving pumpkins and getting our homes ready for Halloween. Time truly flies when you’re enjoying the vibrant colors and crisp air of autumn. With the spooky season behind us, my thoughts have rapidly shifted to the upcoming holidays. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I confess, I’m already deep in planning mode!

As a self-proclaimed “planner” by nature, having things organized well in advance is essential for my peace of mind. I’m thrilled to be hosting Thanksgiving dinner again this year, a tradition I absolutely adore. However, despite my meticulous planning tendencies, my menu isn’t entirely finalized yet, which puts me in a delightful “crisis mode” of culinary brainstorming. This coming week will be dedicated to perfecting every detail, from the main course to the array of delicious side dishes. What are your absolute must-haves on your Thanksgiving table? I’m always looking for new inspiration!

The holidays, for me, are a magical time. The aroma of delicious food, the festive atmosphere, and the joy of decorating every nook and cranny of the house — I love every bit of it. The moment November 1st arrives, I can barely contain my excitement to start playing Christmas music and fully immerse myself in the holiday spirit. Speaking of music, if you’re like me, you’ll be thrilled to know that many Christmas music channels typically launch around this time. Get ready to crank up those festive tunes and embrace the season!

Cherished Traditions: Food, Family, and Memories

Before diving deeper into Thanksgiving, let’s rewind briefly to Halloween, a holiday I cherish almost as much as Christmas. As I’ve mentioned in past posts, Halloween holds a special place in my heart. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the pure excitement on my children’s faces as they choose their costumes and then proudly wear them almost daily leading up to trick-or-treating night. It’s a joy that truly captures the essence of childhood.

This year, my son transformed into a Red Dino Power Ranger – a fitting choice given his immense love for dinosaurs; I’m convinced he’ll be a paleontologist one day! My sweet daughter, on the other hand, was enchanting as Ariel, her favorite princess. The days when I could pick out coordinating costumes for them are long gone, but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their unique personalities shine through, whether they choose to be a superhero, a princess, a witch, or a playful goblin.

If you haven’t gathered by now, I’m also a fervent advocate for family traditions. They are the threads that weave through our lives, creating a tapestry of shared memories and experiences. For Christmas, our family tradition revolves around making delicious Monkey Bread, a recipe we fondly recount here. And for Halloween, a new, beloved tradition has emerged: this incredible Chorizo Chili with Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles. This year, I decided to elevate our Halloween meal by serving the chili with cornbread waffles, and it was an absolute revelation. Chili and cornbread are simply meant to be together, and transforming the cornbread into a waffle form just takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Am I right, or am I right?

Following my mom’s cherished tradition, there was always something warm and comforting waiting for us on the stove after a long night of trick-or-treating. Halloween around here often comes with a hint of rain and a chill in the air, making a hot, hearty meal the perfect antidote. That’s precisely how our family chili tradition began. I wanted to create something not only scrumptious and warming but also substantial enough to feed a small army. This Chorizo Chili with Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles fits the bill perfectly! Every Halloween, our neighborhood gathers for a fantastic potluck feast, and my contribution is always this crowd-pleasing chili. I am incredibly fortunate to live in such an amazing community with the most wonderful neighbors. You all know who you are, and I love you for it!

Crafting the Perfect Chili: Flavor, Spice, and Customization

Our family enjoys chili brimming with rich flavor, a hint of spice, plenty of meat, and wholesome beans. One of the truly wonderful aspects of chili is its incredible versatility – it’s a dish that invites you to make it your own. If beans aren’t your preference, simply leave them out. If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the heat by omitting the jalapeños entirely or substituting them with an additional green bell pepper for a gentle sweetness. Remember, there are also various types of chorizo available, from intensely spicy to a more subtly flavored mild version, allowing you to tailor the kick to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create a chili that perfectly suits your taste buds!

This Chorizo Chili with Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a make-ahead meal. Beyond the initial chopping of vegetables, the process is wonderfully simple: combine all ingredients in a pot, brown the meats, add liquids, and allow it to simmer for a captivating hour. Once the chili has cooked on the stovetop, I often transfer it to a slow cooker. This not only makes transportation a breeze for potlucks but also keeps the chili perfectly warm and ready to serve for hours.

Mastering the Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles

The accompanying Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles are equally convenient. You can prepare the waffle batter up to an hour in advance, cover it, and leave it at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the waffles until they’re golden brown and crispy, then keep them warm in a 200-degree oven until your guests are ready to dig in. This allows you to enjoy the festivities without being tied to the kitchen at the last minute.

Serving Your Delicious Chorizo Chili

When it comes to serving this delightful dish, you have a couple of fantastic options. You can elegantly place a fluffy, golden cornbread waffle on a plate and ladle the savory chili right on top. Then, let your creativity flow with an array of your favorite toppings: a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, a cool dollop of sour cream, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, or vibrant green onions. Alternatively, for a more communal and interactive experience, serve the chili in a large, inviting bowl and offer the crispy waffles on the side, perfect for dipping and scooping up every last bit of that flavorful goodness. Whichever way you choose to present it, you simply can’t go wrong with the heartwarming combination of Chorizo Chili and Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles!

6 votes

Chorizo Chili with Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles

Prep 45 mins

Cook 1 hour, 30 mins

Total 2 hours, 15 mins

Author Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 8

Chorizo Chili with Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles is perfect for game day, a chilly fall night or neighborhood potluck. This beefy flavored packed chili gets a slight kick from the spicy chorizo sausage. Served on top of jalapeño cornbread waffles, dolloped with cheese and cilantro, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded meal!

Ingredients

For the Chili
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 jalapeno peppers, minced
3 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoons cayenne
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces pork chorizo, removed from casings
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Browning and Seasoning sauce
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 14 ounce can dark red kidney beans
salt and pepper, to taste
For the Waffles
1 cup of flour
1 cup of cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 sticks butter, melted
2 eggs
1 cup fire roasted corn
1 jalapeno peppers, minced
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

For the Chili
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
To the oil, add in your peppers, onions and garlic. Cook until tender
Next, add in cumin, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon and cayenne. Continue to cook 5 minutes longer.
Add in your beef and chorizo stirring to break up the meat. Continue to cook for 10 minutes.
To the mixture, stir in Worcestershire and browning saucse, hot sauce and tomato paste.
Pour in beef broth and bay leaves and let simmer for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, stir in tomatoes and beans and continue to cook over low for an additional 30 minutes.
Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as desired.
For the Waffles
Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder and baking soda and set aside.
Next, stir together milk, butter and eggs.
Make a well in the flour mixture and pour liquid into the center and whisk to combine.
Fold in corn, jalapeno, cheese and cilantro.
Preheat your waffle iron and spray with cooking spray.
Fill our waffle iron with batter, careful not to overfill and cook until golden and crisp.
To serve
Place your waffle on a plate and add chili. Top with additional cheese, sour cream and cilantro
Or serve in a bowl with oyster crackers, cheese and green onions.

Notes

Adapted from Interstate Chili via Sunny Anderson

Courses Chili

Cuisine Soups and Stews

This Chorizo Chili with Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles has, without a doubt, become my family’s most cherished chili recipe – and we’ve sampled many over the years! Its depth of flavor and comforting warmth make it a standout dish, one that I am confident will quickly become your family’s new favorite too.

What Are Your Family’s Favorite Holiday Traditions?

As we embrace the flavors and warmth of the season, I’d love to hear about your family’s unique holiday traditions. What special dishes do you make? What activities bring you all together? Share your stories and inspire others!

I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this incredible Chorizo Chili with Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles. If you prepare this recipe, please capture a photo and share it on social media with the hashtag #strawberryblondiekitchen. I absolutely love seeing your delicious creations!