Fire-Roasted Corn and Beef Skillet Pie Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (24 ounce) jar prepared marinara sauce
• 2 cups fire-roasted frozen corn
• cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
• 1 (11 ounce) package refrigerated breadstick dough

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. In a large cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Stir and break up the lumps until the beef is browned, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the marinara sauce and frozen fire-roasted corn to the skillet. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat and stir in the shredded pepper Jack cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
5. Unroll the breadstick dough and loosely weave it on top of the beef and corn mixture. Make sure it covers the filling evenly, but dont press it down too hard.
6. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set and makes it easier to slice.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1/6 of recipe):

• Calories: 592
• Total Fat: 32g (40% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (60% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 84mg (28% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 999mg (43% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 53g (19% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 5g (18% Daily Value)
• Protein: 24g (48% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 641mg (14% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History

The Fire-Roasted Corn and Beef Skillet Pie is a modern take on classic comfort food, combining rich beef, sweet fire-roasted corn, and a crusty topping into one hearty dish. Its origins are likely inspired by rustic American cooking, particularly from the Southwestern United States, where both corn and beef are staple ingredients in local cuisine. The concept of skillet pies has roots in both Southern and Southwestern cooking, where cast-iron skillets were a common kitchen tool for making savory pies and casseroles.

Regional Features

While this skillet pie is a flexible dish, the use of fire-roasted corn brings a distinct regional flavor, often found in Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. The process of roasting corn over an open flame imparts a smoky sweetness to the kernels, which adds complexity and depth to the dish. The addition of pepper Jack cheese is a nod to the region's love of spicy and flavorful ingredients, often seen in both Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican recipes.

Distinguishing Features

What sets the Fire-Roasted Corn and Beef Skillet Pie apart from similar dishes, such as shepherd's pie or other savory meat pies, is the use of fire-roasted corn and the breadstick dough crust. Unlike traditional shepherds pie, which typically features mashed potatoes as a topping, this dish uses a light, golden-brown breadstick dough that crisps up beautifully during baking. The fire-roasted corn provides a unique smoky sweetness, while the combination of beef, marinara sauce, and cheese creates a savory base with layers of flavor.

Where It's Typically Served

This dish is a great option for casual family dinners, especially during the cooler months when heartier meals are desired. It can be served at home for weeknight dinners or even as a crowd-pleasing option at casual gatherings like barbecues, potlucks, or tailgate parties. The simplicity and richness of the dish make it a versatile option for many occasions, whether youre looking for comfort food or something a bit more exciting than the typical casserole.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of beef and corn is a classic pairing in American cuisine, dating back to Native American agricultural practices. Corn was one of the staple crops of Indigenous peoples, and the introduction of beef by European settlers led to the blending of these two ingredients in countless dishes.
• Fire-roasting corn is a technique that adds a smoky flavor to the sweet kernels, enhancing their natural sugars. This method is a popular cooking technique in many cultures, including Mexican and Southwestern U.S. cuisine, where street vendors often roast corn over open flames and serve it as a snack.
• The breadstick dough topping is a convenient, easy-to-use alternative to traditional pie crusts, making this dish more accessible and quicker to prepare without sacrificing flavor or texture.

FAQ about Fire-Roasted Corn and Beef Skillet Pie Recipe

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