English Picnic Pie
A hearty savory pie featuring seasoned ground beef, hard-cooked eggs, and a flaky crust, perfect for family gatherings or picnic outings with rich flavors and comforting appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and salt in a large bowl.
- Set aside the meat mixture.
- Line a 9 x 5 x 3-inch pan with pie crust, overlapping the rim.
- Spoon half of the meat mixture into the crust.
- Top with sliced hard-cooked eggs.
- Cover with the remaining meat mixture and pat smooth.
- Place a second pie crust on top of the meat mixture.
- Flute (pinch together) the top and bottom crusts.
- Cut out a small circle in the center of the pastry.
- Brush the top crust with a mixture of egg yolk and water.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours.
- Chill the pie before unmolding.
- Unmold the pie and slice to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or stale bread. Ensure the crust is thick enough to hold the filling but not too thick that it overwhelms the pie. A splash of soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor.
Serving Suggestions
English Picnic Pie is delightful served cold or at room temperature. Pair it with a light salad, such as a simple green salad or a refreshing Thai Beef Salad, for a balanced meal. It can also be accompanied by pickles or chutney to enhance the flavors. This pie is perfect for picnics or a hearty lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices of the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly as it may make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Picnic Pie contains roughly 1259 calories, with 28g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1957mg per serving (85% 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 prepare the pie in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie up to a day ahead of time. Assemble the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just remember to remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How do I ensure the crust doesn't get soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, you can pre-bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Additionally, make sure the meat mixture is not overly wet. Using breadcrumbs helps absorb moisture, but if it's too liquidy, drain some liquid before filling the crust.
What can I substitute for the hard-cooked eggs?
If you're looking for a substitute for hard-cooked eggs, consider using sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can skip the eggs altogether or incorporate a layer of cheese for a creamy element. Just ensure any substitutions complement the overall flavor of the pie.
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).