How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and corn topping in advance; assemble and bake before serving.

What can I substitute for fresh corn?

You can use frozen corn, but let it thaw and drain well for the best results.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein or mushroom mix for a vegetarian option.

How should I reheat the pastel de choclo?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Rustic Peruvian Pastel de Choclo with Ground Beef and Corn

Name: Rustic Peruvian Pastel de Choclo with Ground Beef and Corn
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh corn kernels; 1 cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper; 1/2 cup pitted black olives; 3 hard-boiled eggs; 1 teaspoon paprika

A traditional corn pie with a robust meat filling

This savory Pastel de Choclo brings together sweet corn and seasoned ground beef in a delightful Peruvian dish that's perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.

1 h 30 min
8
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Corn Topping

6 cups fresh corn kernels

about 8 ears of corn

1 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons butter

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Ground Beef Filling

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion

chopped

2 cloves garlic

minced

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/2 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Seasoning & Assembly

1/2 cup pitted black olives

sliced

3 hard-boiled eggs

sliced

1 teaspoon paprika

Preparation

Preparing the Corn Topping

Blend the corn and milk

Blend corn kernels with milk until smooth.

Cook the corn mixture

Transfer mixture to a saucepan, add butter, and cook on medium heat, stirring, until thickened.

Ensure the corn mixture does not burn by continuously stirring during cooking.

Season the topping

Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Preparing the Ground Beef Filling

Sauté aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook onion and garlic

Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.

Brown the meat and season

Stir in ground beef, brown evenly. Mix in tomato paste, beef broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until liquid reduces.

For a deeper flavor, let the meat filling rest for 10 minutes before layering.

Cooking Process

Assembly Process

Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish, layer with sliced olives and eggs, then cover with corn topping.

Baking Process

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake until the top is golden and set.

Finishing Process

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Plating & Serving