Meat Crust Country Pie
A hearty meat crust pie featuring a savory ground meat filling combined with vegetables and seasonings, encased in a crispy cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers a comforting blend of flavors with a cheesy top and optional tomato slices for added freshness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground meat, crushed crackers, grated onion, chopped green pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, seasoning to taste, and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce.
- Mix well and pat into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch pie plate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats, such as beef and pork. If you're out of crackers, breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can serve as a substitute. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to add herbs like oregano or basil for extra depth. This recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences by using ground turkey or plant-based meat for vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Meat Crust Country Pie is best enjoyed warm, garnished with fresh herbs or additional cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, like Four-Cup Salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a hearty dinner, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are warmed evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Crust Country Pie contains roughly 943 calories, with 39g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), protein (79% of the Daily Value), and iron (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1820mg per serving (79% 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 use different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix and match various ground meats such as turkey, chicken, or even sausage for added flavor. Just ensure that any meat you use is fully cooked during preparation.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add a bit of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
Is it possible to freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the Meat Crust Country Pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator and then follow the original baking instructions.
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).