Meat-Za Pie: A Delightful and Kid-Friendly Recipe
At Love with Recipes, we believe in transforming simple ingredients into delightful culinary masterpieces. Today, we bring you a recipe that is not only quick and easy but also a hit with kids and adults alike. Our Meat-Za Pie is a savory dish that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef with the comforting touch of melted cheese and aromatic oregano. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal that the whole family can enjoy. Let’s dive into the details of this wonderful recipe.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Meat-Za Pie
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Description: Make and share this Meat-Za Pie recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.
- Category: Meat
- Keywords: Kid Friendly, < 30 Mins, Oven, Easy
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 341.1 kcal
- Fat Content: 20.9 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10.1 g
- Cholesterol Content: 80.8 mg
- Sodium Content: 405.1 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 13.9 g
- Fiber Content: 1.5 g
- Sugar Content: 3.2 g
- Protein Content: 24.6 g
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1 pound
- Evaporated milk – 2/3 cup
- Tomato paste – 1/2 cup
- Mushrooms – 1 cup, sliced
- Cheddar cheese – 1/3 cup, shredded
- Oregano – 1 teaspoon
- Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup, grated
- Cracker crumbs – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic salt – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your Meat-Za Pie. -
Prepare Beef Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, evaporated milk, cracker crumbs, and garlic salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. The evaporated milk adds a rich creaminess to the beef mixture, while the cracker crumbs help to bind the ingredients together. -
Form the Pie Crust:
Transfer the beef mixture into a 9-inch pie pan. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, press the mixture evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan, forming a crust. This beef crust is a unique twist on traditional pie crusts, making it a protein-packed base for our Meat-Za Pie. -
Add Tomato Paste:
Spread the tomato paste evenly over the beef crust. The tomato paste adds a tangy flavor and helps to keep the beef moist during baking. -
Layer the Mushrooms:
Arrange the sliced mushrooms evenly over the tomato paste. The mushrooms add a wonderful earthy flavor and a pleasing texture to the pie. -
Add Cheese and Oregano:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and oregano evenly over the top of the pie. The combination of cheddar and parmesan cheeses provides a delightful contrast in flavors and the oregano adds a hint of herbal aroma. -
Bake:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the beef is cooked through. The baking process melds all the flavors together into a deliciously cohesive dish. -
Serve:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Meat-Za Pie hot and fresh from the oven.
Tips and Variations
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Vegetable Add-Ins:
You can add more vegetables to your Meat-Za Pie for additional flavor and nutrition. Consider adding bell peppers, onions, or spinach along with the mushrooms. -
Cheese Choices:
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack can be great alternatives or additions to the cheddar and parmesan. -
Seasoning:
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more garlic salt or try other herbs and spices like basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. -
Crust Options:
If you prefer a traditional pie crust, you can use a pre-made pie crust or make your own and use it instead of the beef crust. Just pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Meat-Za Pie pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or mashed potatoes for a heartier dinner. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a mixed vegetable medley.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the slice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Our Meat-Za Pie is a fantastic dish that combines the flavors of a classic meat pie with the ease and convenience of a quick meal. It’s a perfect option for those busy nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast but still want something nutritious and delicious. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and mushrooms, all baked to perfection, is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple in your household.
Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice cook, this Meat-Za Pie recipe from Love with Recipes is designed to bring joy and satisfaction to your dining table. Happy cooking!