Let’s talk comfort food. Remember those nights when your mom would whip up a shepherd’s pie, the warm, savory smell filling your mouth? What is the whole house?chili pot pieWhat is a Southwestern twist? What’s the difference between a chicken and ribs sandwich? What is mashed potatoes? We’re talking hearty chili topped with a flaky, buttery crust. What’s the best part of it? Is this recipe easy to throw together? My kids practically inhale it – and trust me, they’re not shy about voicing their opinions.
What is Chili Pot Pie?
Think of chili pot pieAs the love child of a classic chili and patty pie. What’s your favorite homemade chili? All those delicious Southwestern spices – baked under a blanket of golden, flaky pie. Is it a casserole or soup? What is the best thing about the name? Use your favorite Chili Recipe, or experiment with different crusts. Is it forgiving?
Why do I love this recipe?
Where do I begin? First, the flavor is just incredible. The rich, spicy chili simmers away, melding all those Southwestern spices into one warm, comforting dish. And then there’s the crust – flaky, buttery, and just the right amount of savory to complement the dish. Is this combination addictive? Is it just about the taste, it’s also about how easy it is to make. What can you do when you are staring at the fridge and wondering what’s in it? Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. What are some pantry staples? Beans and tomatoes are a must have. Even if you add Ground Beef or turkey, it’s still good. What are some of the best budget meals that feed a crowd? What do you love about this book?chili pot pieWhat is the versatility of chili. You can use any chili recipe you like – vegetarian, spicy, mild. All works. I’ve even used leftover chili from the night before. What’s better than reheating chili in a bowl? What makes a simple meal special? This is perfect when you want something that feels like a lot of effort, but actually requires some effort. How do I impress my guests without stressing myself out in the kitchen?
How do I make chili pot pie?
Quick Overview
Making chili pot pie is easier than you think! We’re basically cooking up a batch of delicious chili, then topping it with a homemade (or store-bought, no judgment!) pie crust and baking it until golden and bubbly. The key is to make sure your chili isn’t too watery, so the crust doesn’t get soggy. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your crust – you can use different shapes or even add a sprinkle of cheese on top. This method is special because it takes a simple chili and transforms it into a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The flakiness of the pie crust combined with the heartiness of the chili makes for a memorable and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound Ground Beef (or turkey or plant-based crumbles)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
I always use good quality olive oil – it makes a difference in the flavor. For ground beef, I like to use 80/20 for a richer flavor, but you can definitely use leaner meat. What are some of the best spices to cook a Southwestern chili? If you like spicy chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeo.
For the Crust:
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes.
• 1/4 cup ice water
I know you can use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time, but I promise, homemade. Is crust worth it? How do you make a flaky crust? Make sure your butter is ice cold. Do not overwork the dough! You want to see little flecks of butter throughout.
Optional Toppings
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped green onions
What are some of the best toppings to make? If you had guacamole, avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, or a dollop of crushed salsa, you would also have avocado.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or oven-safe skillet. How do you make chili pot pie? Trust me, you don’t want to be fighting with it later!
Step 2: Make the Chili
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add ground beef (or turkey or plant-based crumbles) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until tender. Remove from heat. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the chopped red bell pepper, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef. Stir well. What are the ingredients for broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper? Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. What are some of the The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I always sneak a taste (or two!). ) during this step to adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Make the Crust (or Unroll Store-Bought)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. How do you cut butter in a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. How do you get a flaky crust? On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into an oval shape that’s slightly larger than your pie. If you’re using store-bought crust, just unroll it and you are good to go!
Step 4: Assemble the Pot Pie
What is the best way to serve chili in a pie dish? Carefully place the pie crust over the chili, pressing the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape. How do you prevent a crust from getting soggy?
Step 5: Bake
How long does it take for a chili to bake in the preheated oven? If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the chili pot pieLet cool for a few minutes before serving. How do I set up a chili? Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
Chili pot pieWhat are some good ways to round out a meal?
For a Casual Dinner: Serve with a simple side salad. A mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to add some freshness to the meal. I also like to serve it with cornbread – the sweetness of the cornbread is a perfect complement to the spicy chili.
For a Special Occasion: Elevate the presentation by serving individual portions in ramekins. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a fancy touch. Pair it with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to cut through the richness of the chili.
For a Game Day Gathering: This is the perfect dish to serve at a tailgate or watch party. It’s easy to transport and can be kept warm in a Slow Cooker. Serve with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeños, so everyone can customize their own chili pot pie.
We always have chili pot pie on the menu for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter because it is easy, filling, and fun.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chili Pot Pie
I’ve made chili pot pie countless times, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:
Don’t Overfill the Pie Dish: Make sure the chili doesn’t come all the way to the top of the dish, or it will bubble over in the oven. Leave about an inch of space between the chili and the top of the dish.
Blind Bake the Crust: For an extra-crispy crust, blind bake it for a few minutes before adding the chili. This means baking the crust empty, with pie weights or dried beans inside, to prevent it from puffing up. Remove the weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. I learned this trick the hard way after years of making soggy-bottomed pot pies!
Use Different Crusts: Don’t limit yourself to traditional pie crust! You can also use puff pastry, crescent roll dough, or even cornbread topping. Each will give the chili pot pie a different flavor and texture.
Add a Layer of Cheese: Before topping the chili with the crust, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the chili. This will create a gooey, cheesy layer that’s incredibly delicious. I like to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both.
Get Creative with the Toppings: The toppings are where you can really let your personality shine. Experiment with different combinations of cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, and hot sauce. My kids love adding crushed tortilla chips for some extra crunch. Trust me on this one – it’s a game changer!
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to make substitutions based on what you have on hand. Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef. Add different vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or carrots. Use different beans, such as pinto beans or great Northern beans. The possibilities are endless! The chili spice should be same for the best results!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: Once the chili pot pie has cooled completely, you can store it at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it needs to be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled chili pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze chili pot pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed above. You can also bake it from frozen, but it will take longer (about 45-60 minutes).
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the chili pot pie, it’s best to add the glaze just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from getting soggy or melting during storage. I always do this when I know I’m making it ahead of time for a party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Chili pot pie is more than just a recipe – it’s a hug in a bowl! It’s warm, comforting, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this is the perfect recipe. I really encourage you to give it a try – you won’t be disappointed! And if you love Southwestern flavors as much as I do, be sure to check out my other recipes for tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Chili Pot Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 cup Chopped onion
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup Kidney beans
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 package Pie crust
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion, tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili powder to the skillet. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Pour chili mixture into a pie plate. Top with pie crust.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
