Upside-Down Delight
A savory upside-down casserole featuring bacon, peppers, olives, and seasoned ground meat, topped with cornbread, offering bold flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut in rings ⓘ
- 12 pimento stuffed green olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cup whole kernel corn ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can tomato soup ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) package corn bread mix ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown bacon in a 10 or 12-inch frying pan and crumble.
- Arrange green pepper rings and sliced green olives in the pan.
- Cover the peppers and olives with crumbled bacon, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook and simmer the ground meat.
- Sauté chopped onion and crushed garlic in the pan.
- Stir in tomato soup and chili powder.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the layer of corn, peppers, and olives.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option. If you can’t find pimento-stuffed olives, regular green olives will work just as well. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cumin. Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture in the layers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Upside-Down Delight hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as Tropical Spinach Salad, or some crusty bread. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but can be complemented with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Upside-Down Delight contains roughly 825 calories, with 16g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2213mg per serving (96% 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 use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative if you're looking for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You could also increase the chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes, depending on your spice preference.
Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers and meat mixture a day in advance, assembling them in the pan without baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
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).