Rice And Hamburger Pie
A hearty baked dish combining seasoned hamburger, rice, and tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners with comforting flavors and easy preparation. Suitable for casual or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato sauce, cracker crumbs, hamburger, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
- Pat the meat mixture into the bottom and sides of a greased 9-inch pie pan.
- Combine cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, and cheese in a separate bowl.
- Spoon the rice mixture into the meat mixture in the pie pan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes at 350°F.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian herbs to the meat mixture. If you don’t have cracker crumbs, crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs can work as substitutes. You can also enhance the dish by mixing in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for added texture and taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference for a more flavorful pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Rice And Hamburger Pie with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For a comforting twist, try serving it with a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado on top. This dish also makes for great picnic fare or potluck contributions.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the whole pie in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This ensures the crust stays crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Hamburger Pie contains roughly 553 calories, with 20g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2239mg per serving (97% 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 ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey might need a bit more seasoning, so adjust the salt and spices accordingly to enhance the flavor.
What can I do if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or even marinara sauce for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the seasoning since marinara can be more flavorful. You can also blend canned tomatoes for a homemade sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the hamburger with a plant-based meat substitute like lentils or textured vegetable protein. You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the dish. Be sure to use vegetable broth or sauce for added flavor.
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).