three bean chili polenta pot pie
What’s this, you ask? A vegetarian pot pie with three beans and a polenta crust? Why yes it is, you smarty pants, you.
But this isn’t just any polenta pot pie, ya know. It’s the most delicious, most filling and most satisfying meatless pot pie I ever did eat. And for someone whose hunger has been known, at times, to take down the amount of food a football player probably consumes in one sitting (or Gaston with his eggs), that’s a very good thing.
One thing that surprised me (among the many things) about my postpartum life was how hungry I would be, like, ALL. THE. TIME. I knew that would be the case in pregnancy, but didja know that when you’re nursing, you need like 300 to 500 extra calories a day? ‘Tis true. And let me tell you — I feel it. Which is why I need all the snacks at my disposal plus very filling yet healthy meals.
That’s one reason I have found a new love in making this three-bean chili pot pie — it’s incredibly satisfying, in a hefty cheeseburger sort of way (I’m serious), but it’s much better for you. The other reasons I love it include ease, simplicity and a little something called a Parmesan-topped polenta crust. YAASSSS to the latter.
Whether you’re about to be a mom, are a (new and/or nursing) mom like me or you just like to eat really delicious things, this pot pie is for you.
Head to the Bob’s Red Mill blog for the recipe and more tips on postpartum eating!
Disclosure: I received compensation from Bob’s Red Mill for recipe development purposes. All opinions are my own.
WOW! another 300-500 calories? You must be working your butt off!
I guess it calls for another serve of this delicious chili. BTW love the polenta crust, anything with crispy cheese has me instantly hooked.
I actually love you for this.
Yum, this looks ridic good. Now I just need to solve the problem of not owning a cast iron skillet!
Unnnnbelievable! I want all of it right now 🙂
Shut the front do’! Polenta pie?? As if polenta wasn’t amazing enough as it is? UGH, this is so mouth-watering and I looove the bean-y filling. Confession: I wish I were burning an extra 3 to 5 hundo cals a day so that I could eat this pie in super volume…although, let’s face it: I’d eat this pie in super volume whether or not I was burning extra calories. 😉
Oh my goodness, YES! Pregnancy cravings/hunger are common knowledge, so I thought I was just the oddball who didn’t have any. But NO ONE told me about the postpartum cravings/hunger! If I’m not craving cake to the point of desperation, I’m hungry enough to eat just about anything by the pound! (Or gallon, if we’re talking ice cream…) I’ll definitely be trying this recipe. Let’s see if I can fool the husband into thinking he’s eating meat… 😉
This looks AMAZING. I can’t wait to make some chili and turn it into pie.
Looks so comforting!!!!
I know what I am making for dinner tonight. Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
Love the idea of cheesy, polenta crust on top of bean chili. Looks so delicious and comforting. Perfect for fall!
Polenta crust?! Fabulous idea! Will have to try this!!
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So, so good! I’m mouthwatering over here.. that crust is killing me!
Craving this right now!!!
POLENTA!! Yes, please! It is my favorite! 🙂
so can’t wait for a chilly day this fall to make this gluten free deliciousness! i might just even add a poached egg to the top for good measure 🙂
Ultimate comfort food right here!!!
Oh man, this sounds like the *perfect* meal! I love the idea of a chili pot pie, plus polenta is basically my favorite thing ever…how ingenious!
This pot pie is what dreams are made of new mommy! Looks incredible!
This is just screaming for Sunday dinner while watching football!
Polenta is surprisingly a delicious addition or replacement for a “biscuit” type topping. I don’t use it very often but when I do I always enjoy it. Thanks for this recipe (now I can make Amy’s Organic Frozen meal from scratch!)
My hubby loooves polenta, so I’m definitely going to have to make this! What a cool concept too!
True story: Alex and I were at his brother’s house recently and I opened the fridge, saw no less than 6 dozen eggs (I couldn’t make this up) and turned to Ross and asked if he was Gaston. So thank you for that reference. Also, for parm-y polenta.
Stephie — Ha! So glad I’m not the only one who uses that reference. Also, 6 DOZEN EGGS? Good Lord.
This looks so good! Love the idea of a polenta crust.
This looks comforting and homey! Enjoy being able to eat those extra calories 🙂
This looks incredible! Perfect comfort food!
I could dive into this right now. I know my hubby would love it too.
Oh my gosh, this is the EPITOME of comfort food right here. Need a massive bowl of it ASAP!
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My mom used to make a Tamale Pie that had a cornbread-y crust…but this looks better (ssshhh…don’t tell Mom!). Seriously though…I want this! Like, now.
I don’t care if it’s August – I’m ready for fall and cozy foods. Girl, you have a winner right here!
I felt soooo hungry all the time. Now I am done nursing and all that hunger plus sedentary lifestyle for all of winter snuck up on me. Dang yoga pants. But thank god for summer because I got moving!!! Even though I am done nursing I still feel hungry. I have been thinking about this pot pie for a while! It is perfect for this little cold and rainy snap that will be coming this week.
Stefanie — Ha! I know, I have a feeling I’ll be hungry for the rest of my life, whether it’s from nursing or chasing around a little one. 🙂 You should definitely make this for that cooler weather!
What time is dinner? Cause I’m coming over!!
Kate — See you soon! 😉
Made this for dinner last night. It was very tasty but took a while to make. Would make it again on a weekend night. My only complaint was that my polenta ended up sinking a bit and the chili went over the polenta. It was still super delicious though, and I can’t wait for my leftovers for lunch!
Kelli — So glad you enjoyed it! How strange that the polenta sank, though! 🙁
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This looks amazing and would be perfect for my monthly freezer meal swap. Has anyone tried to freeze this? If I baked it fully and then cooled and froze do you think the polenta would be ok after it was thawed and reheated? Thanks!
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The link to this recipe won’t work. Can you send me the recipe?
The link to recipe won’t work. Would you send the recipe?
The link is no longer working for the recipe do you have a new link?
Abby, Shoot! Thanks for the heads-up; I will try to locate a working link!
Update: The link is now working!