Coal Miner'S Pie
A hearty, comforting casserole with seasoned ground beef, sweet peppers, corn, and a savory cornbread topping, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground round ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 medium sweet green peppers, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. canned corn, drained or frozen kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 c. buttermilk ⓘ
- 3/4 c. yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (moderate).
- Brown ground beef and chopped onions in a Dutch oven or large kettle, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until no longer pink.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chopped green peppers, corn, chili powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a combination of ground meats, such as beef and turkey. You can also substitute the canned corn with fresh corn off the cob for a sweeter taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños. Make sure to brown the meat well to develop a rich flavor base, similar to what you would do in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Coal Miner’s Pie hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or cornbread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Double Cheese Double Baked Potatoes. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed. This dish also freezes well, so consider making a double batch to enjoy later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coal Miner'S Pie contains roughly 639 calories, with 31g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (208% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value), and protein (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2194mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply assemble the pie and bake it when you're ready to serve. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this pie?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the texture and flavor. This will yield a hearty dish that aligns with vegetarian recipes.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before using. This will provide the same tangy flavor and moisture needed for the recipe.
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).