American Pie
A hearty American-inspired beef and vegetable pie filling with rich tomato flavor, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 small zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. American cheese ⓘ
- 1 pie crust shell ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced celery, sliced zucchini, chopped onion, and sliced green pepper; stir and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and condensed tomato soup.
- Simmer the mixture until flavors meld and vegetables are fully cooked.
- Pour the beef mixture into the pie crust shell and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of red wine while cooking the beef and vegetables. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use any leftover vegetables you have on hand. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper, reminiscent of flavors found in Beef Stew For The Crock-Pot.
Serving Suggestions
This American Pie pairs well with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread. For a fun twist, top individual slices with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole pie in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it's heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of American Pie contains roughly 436 calories, with 20g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2758mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the pie right before baking to maintain the crust's crispness. This allows for great flexibility, especially during busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of American cheese?
If American cheese isn't available, you can substitute it with cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile. Both melt well and will complement the savory filling beautifully, adding richness to the dish.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it's heated through. This makes for a convenient meal option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).