Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Pie Recipe

Introduction

A hearty and satisfying dish, this cheesy beef and vegetable pie is a delicious comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender beef, a medley of vegetables, and topped with a golden layer of melted cheese, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a wholesome family meal, this recipe is a winner.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the filling

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Combine the filling ingredients

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the frozen peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the crust

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing the dough with a fork until it comes together.

Step 4: Assemble the pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is large enough to fit into the bottom of a pie dish. Gently press the dough into the dish, making sure to cover the bottom and sides.

Pour the beef and vegetable filling into the pie dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.

Roll out the second portion of dough and place it on top of the filling. Press the edges of the dough together to seal the pie. Cut a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Bake the pie

Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try to customize the pie to your liking:

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add your favorite vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping. Gouda, mozzarella, or Swiss can all be great alternatives to cheddar.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Increase the amount of vegetables in the filling to make up for the missing meat.

Tips

• Make sure to fully cook the ground beef before adding it to the filling.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Add more herbs or spices if desired.
• If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can use two knives or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour for the crust.
• For a flakier crust, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Conclusion

This cheesy beef and vegetable pie is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its tender beef, colorful assortment of vegetables, and melty cheese topping, it’s a true comfort food classic. Whether enjoyed on a cozy winter evening or served at a special gathering, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness!

FAQs

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie crust ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to tightly wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze the pie?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions as usual.

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead?

Yes, if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, you can use store-bought pie crust instead of making your own. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for baking.

Can I make this pie without cheese?

Yes, if you prefer a cheese-less version, you can omit the shredded cheddar cheese from the recipe. The pie will still be delicious and packed with flavor from the beef and vegetables.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.