Upside-Down Chili Pie
A hearty upside-down chili pie featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes topped with a flavorful cornmeal batter, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute ground beef and chopped onion in shortening until cooked.
- Add kidney beans, chili powder, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and cooked tomatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Pour the meat and bean mixture into a casserole dish.
- Prepare the cornmeal batter by mixing the remaining ingredients: flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar, and egg.
- Pour the batter over the meat mixture.
- Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use black beans instead of kidney beans for a different flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chili beans can speed up the preparation process. Serve with a sprinkle of cheese for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
This Upside-Down Chili Pie is delightful on its own but can be served with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a dollop of sour cream or salsa for added flavor. It also goes well with other hearty American recipes like Baked Beans Hot Dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Upside-Down Chili Pie contains roughly 460 calories, with 22g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2019mg per serving (88% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili pie vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or by using additional beans and vegetables. Just ensure the Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian or replace it with soy sauce for flavor.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute it with an equal amount of polenta or even use breadcrumbs for a different texture. Keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but it will still create a delicious topping.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
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).