Step 1

For the cornbread: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2

Whisk together the cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Whisk the buttermilk, oil and eggs in a medium bowl. Fold the egg mixture into the cornmeal mixture until well combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake until the edges are golden brown and the center bounces back when pressed with a finger, 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 3

For the chili: Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the chili powder, tomato paste, salt, chipotle powder and cumin and cook until the spices begin to fry. Add the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.

Step 4

Once the cornbread is baked, use the handle of a large wooden spoon to poke 35 holes into the cornbread, making sure that the spoon goes all the way to the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 5

Spoon the chili on top of the cornbread and spread evenly with the wooden spoon while pressing the chili into the holes. Top with the cheese, dollops of sour cream, jalapenos and scallions. Cut into 15 pieces and serve immediately.