Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this delightful ham pot pie recipe! This classic dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend gathering. Forget takeout – this homemade version is bursting with tender ham, hearty vegetables, and a flaky, golden crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort, making it a true winner for busy cooks searching for quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (about 1/2 pound)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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For the Crust:
- 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your pie crust gets beautifully golden and your filling is heated through perfectly.
Make the filling: Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes until tender. This step builds the flavor base of our delicious pot pie.
Thicken the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This is key to a creamy and flavorful filling.
Add the ham and vegetables: Stir in the diced ham, peas, corn, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Assemble and bake: Pour the ham and vegetable mixture into the prepared oven-safe skillet or transfer to a 9-inch pie dish. Top with the pie crusts, crimping the edges to seal. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a glossy finish. For extra deliciousness, you can cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake until golden: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes for easier serving.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Add some spice: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle kick.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the ham with roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or spinach.
- Leftovers? This pot pie reheats beautifully! Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This ham pot pie recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy meals you can create at home. It's a satisfying and easy recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions. Enjoy!