Embark on a culinary journey with our comforting Country Pie recipe—a timeless dish that combines the rustic flavors of ground beef, savory herbs, and gooey cheese, all enveloped in a flaky crust. Perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings, this hearty pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Join us as we explore the simple steps to create this delicious masterpiece, along with some helpful tips, variations, and keto-friendly options.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (24 oz) jar herb tomato sauce, divided
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 1/3 cup Minute Rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, half of the herb tomato sauce, bread crumbs, diced onion, chopped green bell pepper, oregano, Minute Rice, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Transfer the beef mixture into a deep-dish pie plate or baking dish, pressing it down evenly with a spoon or spatula.
- Add the Liquid:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining herb tomato sauce, water, and salt. Pour the mixture over the beef filling in the pie plate.
- Bake the Pie:
- Cover the pie plate with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Top with Cheese and Finish Baking:
- Remove the foil from the pie plate and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pie. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the Country Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve slices of the pie with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Tomato Sauce Options: Feel free to use your favorite variety of herb tomato sauce for this recipe, or substitute with marinara sauce or canned crushed tomatoes if preferred.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack, for a unique flavor twist.
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value of the pie by adding extra vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the filling mixture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe for a lighter alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as ground turkey may cook faster than ground beef.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the Country Pie ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Country Pie in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb? A: Yes, you can make keto-friendly or low-carb substitutions by using cauliflower rice or grated cauliflower in place of Minute Rice. You can also omit the bread crumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a low-carb alternative.
Q: Can I customize the toppings? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. Some delicious options include diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can adapt this recipe:
- Keto Version: Substitute the Minute Rice with cauliflower rice or grated cauliflower to reduce the carb content. Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs, and opt for full-fat cheese and sour cream for a keto-friendly option.
- Low-Carb Version: Follow the keto version adjustments above, and consider adding extra vegetables such as spinach or kale to bulk up the pie and increase the nutritional value. You can also use a sugar-free tomato sauce or marinara sauce to further lower the carb content.
Treat yourself to the comforting flavors of our Country Pie—a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served at a family gathering, this hearty pie is sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds with every savory bite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible goodness of our Country Pie tonight!
