Tender ground beef, savory olives, and a rich corn topping that’s both creamy and slightly sweet. Pastel de Choclo Corn and Beef Casserole combines these elements to create a dish that’s not only comforting but also remarkably flavorful. Each bite brings together the essence of South American cooking, making it a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons.
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Pastel de Choclo Corn and Beef Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Pastel de Choclo Corn and Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 400 g 14 oz frozen corn, thawed
- ¼ cup cream
- ¼ cup corn flour
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 500 g 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 shallots chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup chicken/beef stock
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ cup pitted olives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
- Heat up some olive oil in a pan placed over medium heat. Saute onions and shallots for 5-7 minutes.2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion, 2 shallots
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking meat into pieces, for 10 minutes. Drain if necessary.500 g 1 pound ground beef
- Season meat with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and stir well. Add flour and mix once more before pouring in chicken stock.¼ cup corn flour, 3 garlic cloves, ½ tablespoon paprika, ½ cup chicken/beef stock
- Let the sauce get bubbly, then mix in olives and transfer into the baking pan.½ cup pitted olives
- In a separate pan melt butter and cook corn until it warms up. Pour in cream and bring to a boil. Season with salt, then bled. Combine blended corn with corn flour and pipe over the beef.400 g 14 oz frozen corn, thawed, ¼ cup cream, 2 tablespoon butter
- Bake for 45-55 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 400 g (14 oz) frozen corn, thawed
- ¼ cup cream
- ¼ cup corn flour
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 500 g (1 pound) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken/beef stock
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ cup pitted olives
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
Heat up some olive oil in a pan placed over medium heat. Saute onions and shallots for 5-7 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking meat into pieces, for 10 minutes. Drain if necessary.
Season meat with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and stir well. Add flour and mix once more before pouring in chicken stock.
Let the sauce get bubbly, then mix in olives and transfer into the baking pan.
In a separate pan melt butter and cook corn until it warms up. Pour in cream and bring to a boil. Season with salt, then bled. Combine blended corn with corn flour and pipe over the beef.
Bake for 45-55 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Pairing Pastel de Choclo with Side Dishes
When serving Pastel de Choclo, think about sides that complement its rich flavors without overpowering them. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, add a burst of color and flavor to your plate. And don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up any remaining juices from the casserole.
Drinks to Accompany Your Meal
To truly enhance your dining experience, consider pairing Pastel de Choclo with a glass of Chilean wine. A medium-bodied red wine, like Carmenere, complements the savory beef and the sweetness of the corn topping. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a homemade iced tea with a hint of lemon can be equally refreshing and palate-cleansing.
Desserts to Round Out the Meal
Finish your meal on a sweet note with a traditional South American dessert. Alfajores, delicate cookies filled with dulce de leche, are a delightful choice. Alternatively, a simple fruit salad featuring tropical fruits like mango and pineapple can provide a light and refreshing end to your feast.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The quality of ingredients can make or break your Pastel de Choclo. Opt for fresh, high-quality ground beef and corn. If you have access to fresh corn, consider using it instead of frozen for an even richer flavor. Also, don’t skimp on the spices—paprika, garlic, and onions are crucial for achieving the dish’s signature taste.
Perfecting the Corn Topping
The corn topping is what makes Pastel de Choclo truly special. To achieve the right consistency, blend the cooked corn until it’s smooth but still has some texture. The addition of cream and butter ensures a creamy, luscious topping that contrasts perfectly with the savory beef filling. If you find the topping too runny, adding a bit more corn flour can help thicken it up.
Baking Tips for a Golden Crust
Bake your Pastel de Choclo in a preheated oven at 200C/400F for 45-55 minutes. The goal is to achieve a golden, slightly crispy crust on top while ensuring the filling is hot and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Pastel de Choclo Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Pastel de Choclo can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven until heated through and the top is golden brown. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
What Variations Can I Try?
While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with different variations. You can add hard-boiled eggs or raisins to the beef filling for added texture and flavor. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 180C/350F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps retain the dish’s texture and flavor.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you're anything like me, you're all about that easy ground beef recipe. I mean, who doesn't love all that flavor and tender meat?! So, to celebrate how much I love ground beef, check out these awesome recipes:
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