Chilean Corn and Beef Casserole
Experience the vibrant flavors of South America with this delicious Chilean Corn and Beef Casserole. Known as Pastel de Choclo, this comforting dish is layered with a savory beef mixture and a luscious corn batter topping, embodying the essence of home-cooked Latin American cuisine. Ideal for a family gathering or a cozy dinner, this casserole brings a delightful medley of spices and textures that are sure to please everyone at the table. A perfect combination of hearty ground beef, aromatic spices, and sweet corn, this dish may also feature optional additions like poached chicken or hard-boiled eggs, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Serve it freshly baked with a golden crust and enjoy this satisfying one-dish meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
2-3 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Onion
1 (Finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (Minced)
Ground beef
1 lb
Paprika
1 tablespoon
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Water or stock
1 cup
Flour
1 tablespoon
Fresh or frozen corn
1 lb (Thaw if frozen)
Cornmeal
1/4 cup
Cornstarch
1-2 tablespoons
Milk
As needed (For corn batter)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (For corn batter)
Salt and pepper
To taste
Butter
1 tablespoon (For sautéing corn puree)
Sugar
2-3 tablespoons (For sprinkling on top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Add the ground beef to the pan, followed by paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook while breaking up the meat until it is browned and just cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
5
Pour in your choice of water or stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring well to combine. Allow it to simmer for another 5-8 minutes until it lightly thickens. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, then remove from heat and set aside.
6
In a food processor, combine the corn, cornmeal, cornstarch, and sugar. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. With the processor running, gradually add milk until the mixture forms a thick batter. Season the corn batter with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the corn puree and stir constantly as it cooks for about 5-8 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
8
Grease a casserole dish and evenly spread the prepared beef mixture across the bottom. Top with the corn mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula. For added sweetness, sprinkle additional sugar over the corn topping.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and beautifully golden brown.
10
For a finishing touch, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes to achieve an extra crispy top if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilean Corn and Beef Casserole?
Chilean Corn and Beef Casserole, also known as Pastel de Choclo, is a traditional South American dish featuring a savory ground beef filling topped with a sweet corn batter and baked until golden.
What is the traditional name for this dish?
The traditional name for this dish is Pastel de Choclo.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen corn; however, ensure the corn is thawed if it was previously frozen.
What meat is used in the base?
The primary meat used is 1 lb of ground beef.
Can I add chicken to this casserole?
Yes, poached chicken is a popular optional addition that can be layered with the beef mixture.
What spices are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
How do I thicken the beef filling?
The beef filling is thickened by adding one tablespoon of flour and simmering it with a cup of water or stock for 5-8 minutes.
What ingredients make up the corn topping?
The topping consists of corn, cornmeal, cornstarch, sugar, milk, salt, pepper, and butter.
How do I prepare the corn puree?
Blend the corn, cornmeal, cornstarch, and sugar in a food processor, then gradually add milk until a thick batter forms.
Is the corn puree cooked before baking?
Yes, the corn puree should be stirred constantly in a saucepan with melted butter for 5-8 minutes to thicken slightly before being added to the casserole.
Why is sugar sprinkled on top of the casserole?
Sugar is sprinkled on top to provide additional sweetness and to help create a beautiful golden-brown crust during baking.
How much sugar is used for the topping?
2-3 tablespoons of sugar are recommended for sprinkling on top of the corn layer.
Can I make the top extra crispy?
Yes, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking cycle for an extra crispy top.
Are there any other traditional additions?
In addition to beef and chicken, hard-boiled eggs are often added to the traditional version of this dish.
How do I sauté the onions for the base?
Heat oil over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onions for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent.
What type of liquid is added to the beef?
You can use either water or stock to add moisture and flavor to the beef filling.
What is the purpose of cornmeal in the topping?
Cornmeal helps provide structure and a traditional texture to the corn batter.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 2-3 minced garlic cloves.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, Pastel de Choclo is a hearty, satisfying one-dish meal containing meat, vegetables, and starch.
What is the role of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to ensure the corn topping has the correct consistency.
Can I use fresh corn off the cob?
Yes, fresh corn is excellent for this recipe and provides a very authentic flavor.
How long do I cook the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Any standard cooking oil used for sautéing is suitable for this recipe.
How much corn is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of fresh or frozen corn.
How do I assemble the casserole?
Spread the beef mixture across the bottom of a greased dish, then top it with the thickened corn puree and smooth it out.
What color should the top be when finished?
The top should be a beautiful golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its comforting nature and medley of flavors make it ideal for family gatherings and cozy dinners.