Meaty Spanish Rice Pie
A hearty Spanish-inspired meat and rice pie with crispy corn flake crust, savory beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and melty cheese—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine crushed corn flakes, milk, chopped onion, salt, and ground beef in a large bowl, mixing well.
- Press the mixture over the bottom and side of a 9-inch pie plate to form a crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine tomato sauce, cooked rice, chopped green pepper, and chili powder, mixing well.
- Spoon the tomato mixture over the ground beef layer in the pie plate.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded American cheese over the top and bake for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier crust, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of crushed corn flakes. If you don't have Minute rice, you can substitute with regular white rice, just be sure to cook it beforehand. Adding a bit of cumin can enhance the flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, or try adding some diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Meaty Spanish Rice Pie pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or guacamole for added creaminess. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a side of refried beans or a zesty corn salsa. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire pie in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed throughout.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meaty Spanish Rice Pie contains roughly 582 calories, with 17g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (254% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2335mg per serving (102% 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 freeze this pie?
Yes, this pie can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy nights or unexpected guests.
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).