Savory French Meat Pie: A Comforting Classic with a Twist
Welcome to another delicious recipe from “Love With Recipes”! This French Meat Pie, known for its delightful use of crumbled crackers, offers a unique twist on a classic dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it combines savory ground meats with spices, mashed potatoes, and a crunchy cracker topping. If you enjoy rich, comforting dishes with a touch of innovation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option for busy days!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Recipe Category: Savory Pies
- Servings: Approximately 4-6 (based on pie size and portioning)
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a garlicky twist)
- 20 crumbled soda crackers
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your pie will bake evenly and achieve a perfect golden brown crust.
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Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef and pork together with the finely chopped onion. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. This should take about 10-15 minutes. The onions should be tender and translucent.
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Prepare the Potatoes: While the meat is cooking, place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well and return the potatoes to the pot. Mash the potatoes with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.
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Combine Ingredients: Do not drain the fat from the meat mixture. Add the crumbled soda crackers to the meat mixture, along with the ground cinnamon, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well. The crackers will absorb some of the moisture and add a wonderful texture and flavor to the filling.
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Mix in Potatoes: Gently fold the mashed potatoes into the meat mixture until everything is well combined. If you prefer, you can let this mixture cool slightly before using it to fill the pie crust, but it’s not necessary if you’re baking it right away.
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Assemble the Pie: Roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into a deep-dish 9 or 10-inch pie plate. Spoon the meat and potato filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess crust from the edges and press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
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Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot throughout. You may want to place a baking sheet under the pie to catch any drips.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set and make serving easier.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
- Refrigerate: This pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze: For a convenient meal later, prepare the pie and freeze it after assembling. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 60-75 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is hot.
This savory French Meat Pie is perfect for making ahead and is sure to satisfy your family’s taste buds with its rich, comforting flavors. Enjoy this pie hot from the oven or as a delightful leftover treat!
This recipe not only offers a comforting and hearty meal but also allows for flexibility in preparation. Whether you’re serving it fresh or reheated, the French Meat Pie is a versatile and satisfying addition to your recipe collection.
