Meatball-Vegetable Pie
A hearty meatball and vegetable pie featuring flavorful seasoned meatballs in a savory tomato sauce, complemented by peas and carrots. This dish offers comforting flavors with a satisfying crust, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It combines tender meatballs with a delicious vegetable-filled sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen peas ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare a flaky pie crust and divide the dough almost in half.
- Roll out the larger half on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Line a 10-inch pie plate or a 6 x 10-inch casserole dish with the dough.
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, minced onion, chopped parsley, salt, marjoram leaves, pepper, beaten egg, and milk in a bowl.
- Mix lightly but thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into 48 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in hot oil in a 10-inch skillet.
- Pour off the drippings from the skillet.
- Combine some of the tomato liquid with cornstarch to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture, stewed tomatoes, and beef bouillon cubes to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring until it comes to a boil.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cook until heated through.
- Pour the meatball and vegetable mixture into the prepared crust.
- Cover with the remaining dough or crust, seal edges, and cut vents if necessary.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use whole wheat bread crumbs. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. If you're short on time, pre-made pie crusts can save you effort, making this Meatball-Vegetable Pie a quick weeknight meal option, akin to a Quick Casserole Dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Meatball-Vegetable Pie with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a warm bread roll or garlic bread. For a heartier dinner, consider serving alongside a warm bowl of Lincoln's Mother's Stew as a comforting option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave on medium heat until hot. For best texture, avoid reheating more than once.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball-Vegetable Pie contains roughly 831 calories, with 17g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (59% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1907mg per serving (83% 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 frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time. Just brown them in the skillet before adding the stewed tomatoes and other ingredients. Adjust cooking time based on the package instructions to ensure they're heated through.
What can I substitute for beef bouillon cubes?
You can substitute beef bouillon cubes with homemade beef stock or broth. If you want a vegetarian option, consider vegetable broth, which will still provide great flavor to the dish.
Can I freeze the Meatball-Vegetable Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
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).