Traders Pie
Traders Pie offers a savory combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh broccoli, and melted Monterey Jack cheese encased in flaky pastry. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers, delivering satisfying flavors with a creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in a golden crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Cook the frozen chopped broccoli according to package instructions; drain.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cups milk, cream cheese, flour, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Beat the egg; add a little hot mixture to the egg to temper it, then stir the egg mixture into the hot sauce. Cook until thickened.
- Add the cooked beef, onion, and broccoli to the sauce; mix well.
- Pour the filling into a 9-inch pie crust.
- Top with sliced Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cover with the remaining pastry crust and seal the edges.
- Prick the top of the pie with a fork to vent steam.
- Brush the top crust with 1 tablespoon of milk.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Allow the pie to cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of ground beef. You can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen if you prefer, just blanch it first. If you’re short on time, pre-made pie crusts are a great alternative. Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling can elevate the taste, making it reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Traders Pie is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a side of homemade applesauce for a touch of sweetness. This dish also makes a great companion to Beef And Onion Soup Casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Traders Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the crust may lose its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Traders Pie contains roughly 309 calories, with 8g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1474mg per serving (64% 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 make Traders Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Assemble the pie without baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver for busy days!
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute with cheddar cheese or mozzarella for a similar melting quality. Each will add its own unique flavor, so choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Can I freeze Traders Pie?
Absolutely! Traders Pie freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until heated through.
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).