If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug after a long day, Hillbilly Pie is your ticket to pure homemade bliss. This layered casserole brings together succulent ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, melting cheddar, and bright notes of sweet corn and tomatoes—all smothered with the savory richness of mushroom soup. With its hearty ingredients and easy prep, Hillbilly Pie is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, and it’s bound to spark memories while new ones are made around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hillbilly Pie is all in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build depth—think juicy beef, golden corn, and luscious cheese—so every bite is packed with nostalgia and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Ground Beef: Provides a savory, meaty foundation that anchors the dish and makes it satisfying.
- Onion: Adds sweet aromatic depth, bringing out the natural flavors in both meat and veggies.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the other tastes without overpowering them.
- Black Pepper: Brings a gentle heat and earthy undertone that perks up the palate.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, garlicky warmth without the need for chopping fresh cloves.
- Sweet Corn (canned): Offers juicy pops of color and natural sweetness for contrast and texture.
- Diced Tomatoes (canned): Their tang elevates the filling, and drained tomatoes keep the pie from getting soggy.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is what gives the filling its creamy, savory character and helps everything cling together.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts to a golden crust, enveloping the pie in gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Mashed Potatoes: A buttery, fluffy topping that sets off all the textures beneath (use leftover or make fresh—it’s all delicious!).
How to Make Hillbilly Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light grease. This step ensures a perfectly baked pie and an easy cleanup—nothing sticks, and those crispy potato edges slide right out.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef and chopped onion together for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir and break up the meat so it browns evenly, and watch as the onions turn soft and fragrant. When the beef is cooked through, drain off any extra fat to keep things from turning greasy.
Step 3: Season and Combine the Filling
With your beef and onions hot in the pan, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to blend. Now add your drained sweet corn, drained diced tomatoes, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix until everything is evenly coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce—this is the heart of the Hillbilly Pie.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Pour your savory meat mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it into one even layer. Next, scatter 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top so every bite is cheesy and flavorful. Now, gently spread the mashed potatoes right over the cheese, using a spatula to carefully seal all the edges—no gaps allowed for the creamiest effect.
Step 5: The Final Cheese Crown and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over your mashed potatoes—the secret to a bubbly, golden top. Slide the dish into your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is gloriously golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let your Hillbilly Pie rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set before serving—this makes slicing easier and locks in all the flavors.
How to Serve Hillbilly Pie
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Top each serving of Hillbilly Pie with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a dash of paprika, or even some sliced green onions for a burst of color and added flavor. Not only does it look pretty, but it brings fresh contrast to the rich, hearty filling beneath.
Side Dishes
Hillbilly Pie pairs marvelously with crisp, green salads dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the creamy layers. Steamed broccoli, buttery corn on the cob, or simple roasted carrots round out the meal without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family dinner, serve Hillbilly Pie straight from the baking dish, letting everyone dig in for seconds. For special gatherings, use a cookie scoop to plate individual servings, or bake in single-serve ramekins for an adorable twist. Layer leftovers in mason jars for picnic-ready lunches—Hillbilly Pie is as versatile in presentation as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hillbilly Pie keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container, or cover your baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Freezing
Want to freeze Hillbilly Pie? You can! Simply assemble the pie, let it cool (if baked), then cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that creamy texture and cheesy topping.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Hillbilly Pie is in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes for a whole pan, or less for individual portions. For quick meals, microwave single servings in short bursts, covering them to avoid drying out the potatoes.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely! Try cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead—both work wonderfully and bring their own unique flavors to the Hillbilly Pie.
What’s the best way to make mashed potatoes for the topping?
You can use either leftover homemade mashed potatoes or make a batch fresh for the occasion. Instant mashed potatoes work in a pinch; just make sure they’re thick and buttery for the dreamiest topping.
Can I add vegetables or adjust the filling?
Definitely! Hillbilly Pie is all about customization. Feel free to stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even swap the corn for peas if that’s what you have on hand.
How can I make Hillbilly Pie spicier?
If you like a kick, add chopped green chilies, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. It’s a simple way to take the flavor up a notch!
Can I make Hillbilly Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a bubbling Hillbilly Pie fresh from the oven with the people you love. If you’re craving comfort, nostalgia, and full-on flavor in one showstopping dish, give this recipe a try. You’ll make memories along with dinner!
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Hillbilly Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Hillbilly Pie is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and a creamy mushroom filling, all topped with a generous layer of cheddar cheese and creamy mashed potatoes. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Additional Layers:
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared fresh or instant)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in corn, diced tomatoes, and cream of mushroom soup. Transfer mixture to the baking dish and top with 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.
- Add Mashed Potatoes: Spread mashed potatoes over the cheese layer, then sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for variation.
- For a spicier version, consider adding chopped green chilies or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
- This dish is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
