Ingredients
1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
1 lb ground turkey (or ground chicken or beef)
1 cup (130g) chopped yellow onion (1 medium onion)
1 cup (130g) chopped bell pepper
1/2 of a jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds and ribs removed)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (8-ounce/227g) cans tomato sauce (or use homemade)
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth (or vegetable or beef broth)
1 (14.5-ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (15.5-ounce/439g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 Tablespoon (12g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 cup (120g) fine cornmeal
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk or whole milk, at room temperature
optional: 1 cup (170g) corn (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
In a large ovenproof skillet that holds 3.5–4 quarts, such as this 12-inch skillet, heat the oil over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté until meat has cooked through, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks, about 10 minutes. Stir in the rest of the chili ingredients, and then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Whisk all of the cornbread ingredients together in a large bowl, including the optional corn. Remove the chili from heat and spread the cornbread batter on top.
Bake, uncovered, for 30–35 minutes or until the cornbread is golden on top and cooked through.
Spoon into bowls or onto plates and serve warm with optional toppings.
Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I usually spoon it all into a reusable container. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave as desired.