Zucchini-Hamburger Pie
A savory zucchini and hamburger pie layered with fresh vegetables and cheese, baked to perfection in a flaky pastry crust, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger with minced onion and seasonings including parsley, garlic salt, salt, and oregano.
- Add dry bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped green pepper to the meat mixture and mix well.
- Line a large, deep pie pan with pastry crust.
- Layer half of the sliced zucchini in the pie shell.
- Top the zucchini layer with half of the meat mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini and meat mixture.
- Place peeled and sliced tomatoes on top of the layered filling, adding a bit of tomato juice if the tomatoes are not juicy and ripe.
- Cover the pie with a pastry crust, cut a small hole in the center, and dust with pepper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey instead of hamburger. If you're short on time, a pre-made pastry crust can save you some hassle. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile. Make sure to salt the zucchini before layering to draw out excess moisture for a firmer pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Zucchini-Hamburger Pie hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a slice of crusty bread or with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. For more ideas, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but the crust may become less crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini-Hamburger Pie contains roughly 278 calories, with 17g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (152% of the Daily Value), iron (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2161mg per serving (94% 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 vegetables in this pie?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or even corn. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the hamburger with a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils. You can also add more vegetables and consider increasing the cheese for added flavor and texture.
Can I freeze the Zucchini-Hamburger Pie?
Yes, this pie freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
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).