Yuca Pie – This cheesy Pastelón de Yuca is a cozy Latin comfort food dinner made with creamy mashed yuca, shredded chicken, and lots of melted cheese.
Yuca Pie, Cheesy Pastelón de Yuca with Chicken
This yuca pie, also known as pastelón de yuca, is a comforting Latin casserole made with creamy mashed yuca, seasoned shredded chicken, and plenty of melted cheese.
Think of it as the Latin version of shepherd’s pie, but instead of mashed potatoes, we use silky yuca puree. The result is rich, cheesy, filling, and absolutely delicious.
There’s a layer of creamy yuca puree on the bottom, a flavorful layer of shredded chicken in the middle, and more yuca and cheese on top. Bake it all together in one delicious casserole dish, and dinner is served.
What Is Yuca Pie?
Yuca pie is a baked casserole made with mashed yuca, a savory filling, and cheese. In this version, the filling is shredded chicken, making it hearty enough for dinner but still comforting and familiar.
In many Latin homes, yuca is used the same way potatoes are used in other cuisines. It can be fried, boiled, mashed, baked, or served with garlic sauce. In this pastelón de yuca, it becomes the creamy base and topping for a cheesy baked chicken casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Yuca Pie Recipe
- Cozy Latin comfort food
- Family-friendly weeknight dinner
- Made with shredded chicken and cheese
- A delicious alternative to shepherd’s pie
- Great way to use frozen yuca
- Bakes in one casserole dish
This baked yuca pie is always a hit in my house. As soon as the girls come home, the delicious smell from the oven draws them in. I do not know if it is the cheese, the chicken, or the yuca itself, but the combination is terrific.
Yuca vs Potatoes
Growing up in Venezuela, we replaced potatoes with yuca in many of our dishes. We fry it just like French fries, but it can also be baked, mashed, or even steamed with a little parsley and garlic.
Yuca has a softer and silkier texture than potatoes, and the flavor is mild enough to adapt to many dishes. You can find it fresh in the produce aisle or peeled and cut in the frozen section at many grocery stores.
I usually buy frozen yuca and boil it in lots of salted water to save prep time. It makes this yuca pie much easier for a weeknight dinner.
How To Make Pastelón de Yuca
The first step is making the creamy yuca puree. Boil the yuca until very tender, remove the fibrous center, and mash it until smooth. A little butter, cheese, or milk can help create that creamy texture.
For the shredded chicken filling, start by poaching the chicken in seasoned water to give it flavor. Then shred it and cook it with aromatics, seasonings, and sauce until juicy and flavorful.
Once the chicken is ready, layer the casserole. Add mashed yuca on the bottom, spread the shredded chicken filling over it, then top with more yuca and plenty of cheese. Bake until the top is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Tips For The Best Yuca Pie
- Boil the yuca until very soft so it mashes smoothly.
- Remove the tough fibrous stem from the center of the yuca.
- Season the chicken well so the casserole has flavor in every layer.
- Use plenty of cheese on top for that bubbly baked finish.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before slicing.
Can I Make Yuca Pie Ahead Of Time?
Yes. You can assemble this yuca pie ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. This makes it a great option for busy school nights, family dinners, or meal prep.
When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats. If baking straight from the cold, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What To Serve With Yuca Pie
This pastelón de yuca is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, avocado slices, black beans, fried plantains, or a fresh tomato and cucumber salad.
It is rich, cheesy, and filling, so I like to keep the sides fresh and simple.
Cheesy Yuca Pie (Pastelón de Yuca)
Ingredients
For Chicken Filling
- 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces
- 4 cups water
- 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon
- 1/2 red pepper chopped
- 1/2 green pepper chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yuca Puree
- 2 pounds frozen yuca
- 1/4 cup milk plus more if needed
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Make Chicken Filling
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Stir in chicken bouillon.
- Add chicken pieces and boil 20 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken, cool slightly, then shred. Reserve 1 cup broth.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and peppers. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Add shredded chicken, tomato sauce, mustard, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and reserved broth.
- Simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make Yuca Puree
- Boil yuca in salted water until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and remove fibrous center vein.
- Mash or process until smooth.
- Mix in milk, butter, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese until creamy.
Assemble
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Grease casserole dish.
- Spread half the yuca puree on bottom.
- Add chicken filling evenly.
- Top with remaining yuca puree.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
More Latin Recipes You’ll Love
Latin Shortcrust Chicken Pie
Yuca Pie FAQs
What is yuca pie made of?
Yuca pie is made with mashed yuca, a savory filling, and cheese. This version uses shredded chicken and melted cheese.
Is yuca pie the same as pastelón de yuca?
Yes. Pastelón de yuca is a Latin-style baked yuca casserole. This recipe is a cheesy chicken version.
Can I use frozen yuca?
Yes. Frozen yuca works very well and saves prep time because it is already peeled and cut.
Can I make yuca pie ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole ahead, refrigerate it, and bake when ready. Add a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
What does yuca taste like?
Yuca has a mild, slightly starchy flavor and a creamy texture when boiled and mashed. It is a great alternative to potatoes in casseroles.
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