Peon Pie
Peon Pie is a hearty, cheesy beef and green chili casserole with crispy tortilla layers, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add green chilies and cook for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste.
- Add Cheddar cheese soup and evaporated milk; simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Layer corn tortilla pieces in a baking dish, then pour beef mixture over them.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. If you don't have Cheddar cheese soup, you can substitute with a homemade cheese sauce using cream and shredded cheese. For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with a mixture of black beans and lentils. This recipe is a great way to use leftover tortillas or cheese, making it a versatile addition to your Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Peon Pie is best served hot, straight from the oven. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top can also enhance the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Spanish Rice Tortilla Pie for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the dish remains moist and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peon Pie contains roughly 931 calories, with 38g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1357mg per serving (59% 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 Peon Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and layer it with tortillas and cheese in advance. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
You can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas or even tortilla chips for a crunchier texture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free tortillas or layers of thinly sliced zucchini as a base.
Is it possible to freeze Peon Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, add an additional 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy this comforting dish even on busy days!
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).