Chilean Corn Pie (Pastel de Choclo)
This comforting Chilean Corn Pie, known as Pastel de Choclo, is a delightful blend of savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a medley of flavorful ingredients. Originating from the heart of Chile, this dish combines the richness of ground beef with the sweetness of creamed corn, green olives, and golden raisins, creating a unique harmony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a family dinner, serve it over fluffy rice and pair it with a fresh green salad for a nutritious and satisfying meal. This recipe has been adapted from my dear friend Chilemom, celebrating the warm, homemade essence of Chilean cuisine.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (cooked)
red or green bell pepper
1 (diced)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
garlic
2-3 cloves (minced)
green olives
1/2 cup (sliced)
golden raisins
1/2 cup (none)
creamed corn
2 (16 oz) cans (none)
olive oil
1 tbsp (optional) (for sautéing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it browns.
3
Remove the cooked ground beef from the skillet using a slotted spoon, leaving behind any drippings.
4
In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If the skillet appears dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
5
Once the vegetables are tender, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the sliced green olives and golden raisins, mixing everything well.
6
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a 9" x 13" baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Pour the two cans of creamed corn over the beef mixture, smoothing it out to cover everything evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling and heated through.
9
Serve the Pastel de Choclo hot over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pastel de Choclo?
Pastel de Choclo is a traditional Chilean Corn Pie that features a savory base of ground beef topped with a sweet, creamy corn crust.
What are the primary ingredients in this Chilean Corn Pie?
The main ingredients include ground beef, bell pepper, onion, garlic, green olives, golden raisins, and canned creamed corn.
How much ground beef is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground beef.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to bake Pastel de Choclo?
The dish takes approximately 30 minutes to bake until it is bubbling and heated through.
Can I use red or green bell peppers?
Yes, the recipe allows for either one red or one green bell pepper, depending on your preference.
What type of olives are used in this dish?
The recipe specifically uses half a cup of sliced green olives.
Are raisins included in Chilean Corn Pie?
Yes, half a cup of golden raisins is added to the beef mixture to provide a unique sweetness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields between 4 and 6 servings.
What is the recommended way to serve this corn pie?
It is recommended to serve the Pastel de Choclo hot over a bed of fluffy rice.
What side dish pairs well with this recipe?
A fresh green salad is a perfect nutritious accompaniment to this hearty meal.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the base?
The bell pepper should be diced, the onion chopped, and the garlic minced before sautéing.
Should I cook the beef before putting it in the oven?
Yes, the ground beef should be sautéed in a skillet until fully cooked before assembling the pie.
What size baking dish is needed?
The recipe requires a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish.
How much creamed corn is used for the topping?
The recipe uses two 16-ounce cans of creamed corn.
When should I add the garlic to the recipe?
Add the minced garlic to the skillet along with the diced bell pepper and chopped onion.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Do I need olive oil for this recipe?
One tablespoon of olive oil is optional and should be used if the skillet appears dry while sautéing the vegetables.
How is the corn layer applied?
The creamed corn is poured over the beef and vegetable mixture and smoothed out to cover everything evenly.
What gives this dish its unique flavor profile?
The unique flavor comes from the harmony between the savory ground beef and the sweet elements like creamed corn and golden raisins.
Who inspired this specific version of the recipe?
This recipe was adapted from a friend of the author known as Chilemom.
Should the beef be drained after cooking?
The instructions suggest removing the cooked beef with a slotted spoon to leave excess drippings behind in the skillet.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished Pastel de Choclo with fresh herbs if desired.
What is the origin of this dish?
Pastel de Choclo is a traditional dish originating from the heart of Chile.
Is the corn used fresh or canned?
This specific recipe uses canned creamed corn for convenience and texture.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish that celebrates the warm, homemade essence of Chilean cuisine.
How do I know the dish is done?
The dish is ready when it is bubbling and thoroughly heated through after its time in the oven.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 cloves of minced garlic.
What is the texture of the onion once sautéed?
The onion should be sautéed until it is tender and translucent.
Can I use regular raisins instead of golden raisins?
While golden raisins are specified for their flavor, regular raisins can be used as a substitute if necessary.