Dinner In A Crust
A hearty savory pie filled with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich, flavorful flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped celery, stirring to crumble the beef; drain off drippings.
- Stir in tomato sauce, corn flakes crumbs, salt, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into two unbaked 9-inch pastry shells.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes.
- Cut the American cheese slices diagonally in halves and arrange 6 halves on each pie.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
- Top the pies with tomato sauce before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the beef mixture. If you don't have corn flakes, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs can be a suitable substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. This dish is a great way to use up leftovers from The Best New York Firehouse Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Dinner In A Crust with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of mashed potatoes or garlic bread would complement the savory filling nicely. This dish pairs beautifully with Smothered Hamburger Steak for a hearty dinner. For a fun twist, offer various hot sauces for guests to add their preferred heat level.
Storage & Reheating
Cool any leftovers to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal, but the crust may not be as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dinner In A Crust contains roughly 218 calories, with 8g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1558mg per serving (68% 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 beef filling and assemble the pies ahead of time. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of American cheese?
If you're not a fan of American cheese, you can substitute it with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the flavor and melting characteristics slightly.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).