Deep Dish Chili Pie
A hearty deep dish chili pie featuring seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, and melted cheddar encased in flaky pie crust, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown ground beef in vegetable oil; drain excess fat.
- Add stewed tomatoes, bell pepper, taco spices, seasonings, and yellow cornmeal to the beef mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Add kidney beans to the chili mixture and stir well.
- Unfold one refrigerator pie crust and fit it into a 10-inch pie plate.
- Pour the chili mixture into the pie crust and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Cover with the second pie crust and flute the edges to seal.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the crust, return to the oven, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture. You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. If you don't have yellow cornmeal, polenta can work as a substitute to maintain the texture. Using pre-made taco seasoning can save time and enhance flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Deep Dish Chili Pie with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole to enhance the flavors. A crisp green salad pairs nicely, providing a refreshing contrast to the hearty pie. For a complete meal, consider serving with cornbread or a side of baked beans, which can complement the chili's richness beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze the chili pie for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep Dish Chili Pie contains roughly 15 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble the pie with the crusts and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier!
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans on hand, black beans or pinto beans can be great substitutes. They will provide a similar texture and flavor profile, making it easy to adapt the recipe to what you have in your pantry.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of the Deep Dish Chili Pie, simply replace the ground beef with a meat substitute like lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also increase the amount of beans and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
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).