Chili In Pastry Cups

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 48 Cuisine: American

Spicy, hearty ground beef filling served in crunchy cornmeal pastry cups, perfect for parties or game nights, offering bold tomato, pepper, and chili flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb. ground beef
  • 1/3 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • 1 (7 1/2 oz.) can tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies, drained
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp chili powder
  • Cornmeal Pastry Cups

Instructions

  1. Cook ground beef, green pepper

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with spices before adding other ingredients. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder. To save time, pre-made pastry cups can be used instead of making your own cornmeal pastry from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili in pastry cups hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or cornbread for a complete meal. Consider serving alongside A-1 Sloppy Joes for a fun twist on hearty American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For best results, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chili In Pastry Cups contains roughly 9 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

9 kcal
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.4g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.2g
Carbs 1.8g 1% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 107.4mg 5% DV
Potassium 60.8mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 0mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22.9mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Calcium 7mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the chili ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chili a day in advance. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat and fill the pastry cups just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or black beans. Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially if using milder ingredients.

How do I prevent the pastry cups from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy pastry cups, pre-bake them for a few minutes before adding the chili filling. This creates a barrier and helps maintain their crispiness when filled. Filling them just before serving also helps.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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