Mexicali Meat Pie
A flavorful Mexican-inspired meat pie featuring seasoned ground beef, corn, green pepper, and tomatoes, baked to perfection with a crispy crust. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it's a hearty dish with bold spices and vibrant flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain.
- Stir in remaining ingredients.
- Pour into an 8-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the green pepper with jalapeños for a spicier kick. If you have leftover cornmeal, it can be used in other dishes like cornbread or as a topping for casseroles. Make sure to drain the tomatoes well to prevent a soggy pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexicali Meat Pie with a side of fresh salad or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. It pairs beautifully with Gwen'S Enchiladas for a complete Mexican meal experience. Top with sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro to enhance the flavors. Consider a light salsa for added zest.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. This pie can also be frozen for up to three months; just ensure it's tightly wrapped.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Meat Pie contains roughly 573 calories, with 15g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (358% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), and iron (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg per serving (24% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Mexicali Meat Pie a day in advance. Simply assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. You can also use cooked lentils for a vegetarian option, adding a different texture while keeping the flavors intact.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or black beans to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to balance the additional ingredients.
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).