Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Craving something comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This ground beef pie crust recipe is a game-changer, offering a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Forget soggy bottoms and bland fillings; this recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful crust packed with a savory ground beef mixture. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – a healthy meal that's quick to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend lunch. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Pie Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
Preparing the Ground Beef Filling:
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the filling: Pour the ground beef mixture into the pie crust. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Top with remaining dough: Roll out the remaining pie dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
- Add other vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots.
- Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- For a quicker meal, use store-bought pie crust.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutrition calculator website with your exact ingredient list. However, expect this recipe to be relatively high in protein and moderate in fat. It's a hearty and satisfying meal.
Enjoy this delicious and easy ground beef pie crust recipe! It's a perfect example of transforming simple ingredients into a truly satisfying and delicious meal. This recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite – perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion. Remember to share your creations and tag us on social media!