Pie Sun with rice and meat is a heartwarming dish that combines a flavorful ground beef crust with a savory rice filling. It's a perfect choice for family dinners, emphasizing tradition and comfort. With main ingredients like lean ground beef, cooked rice, and seasoned tomato sauce, it's customizable to fit your taste. The unique flavors blend beautifully, creating a meal that brings loved ones together. Stick around to discover the cooking techniques and serving suggestions that make this dish even more special!
History
While many comfort foods evoke nostalgia, the Rice Pie with Meat Crust, often called Hamburger-Rice Pie, stands out as a symbol of post-war American ingenuity in the kitchen.
Emerging in the 1950s, this dish reflects the era's focus on convenience and resourcefulness. You'll find it combines seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, all baked in a savory meat crust.
Over time, variations have popped up, incorporating green vegetables and even cheese, showcasing each family's unique history. The adaptability of the recipe highlights how home cooks made do with accessible ingredients, transforming it into a hearty meal. Additionally, the significant market shift in food preferences over the decades mirrors the evolution of this beloved dish.
Its continued popularity underscores the dish's emotional connection, as families pass down their cherished versions from generation to generation.
Recipe
This delightful Rice Pie with Meat Crust is a unique and hearty dish that combines a flavorful ground beef crust with a savory rice filling. The meat crust is made by blending lean ground beef with dry bread crumbs, chopped onions, and green peppers, creating a satisfying base that holds the delicious filling together.
The filling itself is a comforting mixture of cooked rice, seasoned tomato sauce, and grated cheese, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. The recipe is straightforward and can be customized according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different types of cheese, add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or spice it up with your favorite herbs. This dish is especially great for family dinners as it brings warmth and comfort to the table, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup seasoned tomato sauce
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, dry bread crumbs, chopped onion, and green pepper. Mix well and press the mixture into a pie dish to form a crust.
Bake the meat crust in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. While the crust is baking, mix the cooked rice with the seasoned tomato sauce in a separate bowl. Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven, spoon the rice mixture into the meat crust, and top with the grated cheese.
Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
When preparing this dish, using lean ground beef is crucial to minimize excess grease, which can affect the taste and texture of your pie. Feel free to get creative with the filling by incorporating different vegetables or spices that you enjoy.
Additionally, letting the pie rest for a few minutes before slicing can help it hold its shape better. Enjoy your homemade Rice Pie with Meat Crust as a comforting meal that's sure to please everyone at the table!
Cooking Steps
To kick off the cooking process for your Pie Sun with Rice and Meat, you'll first gather all the necessary ingredients.
Next, you'll prepare the meat and rice mixture before rolling out the dough evenly.
Once that's done, it's time to assemble the pie and bake it to perfection! Additionally, you can enhance your dish with a sweet and spiced treat like pumpkin bread for a delightful pairing.
Step 1. Gather Necessary Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients for your pie sun with rice and meat.
You'll need 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of dry bread crumbs, and 1 cup of chopped green pepper. Incorporating whole foods can enhance the nutritional value of your dish.
Don't forget to grab 16 oz of seasoned tomato sauce, which will play a key role in your dish.
Prepare 3 cups of cooked rice to mix with the remaining tomato sauce and cheese.
Make sure you have salt and pepper on hand to enhance the flavors.
You'll also need a greased 10-inch pie plate to form the meat mixture into a crust.
Lastly, have ½ cup of grated cheese ready to mix into the rice and sprinkle on top before baking.
Step 2. Prepare Meat and Rice Mixture
Now that you've gathered all your ingredients, it's time to prepare the meat and rice mixture. Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef with 1 cup of dry bread crumbs, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup chopped green pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Gradually mix in 1 cup of seasoned tomato sauce, ensuring the meat mixture is moist enough to form a crust.
Pat the meat mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a greased pie plate.
For the filling, combine 3 cups of cooked rice with the remaining seasoned tomato sauce and ½ cup of grated cheese before spooning it into the prepared meat shell. This dish can be served with a side of hearty breakfast options like the Tomato Basil Farro Egg Bowl for a well-rounded meal.
Step 3. Roll Out Dough Evenly
Start by lightly flouring your work surface to keep the dough from sticking as you roll it out.
Grab your rolling pin, and apply even pressure while rolling from the center outward in all directions. This technique helps maintain an even thickness, essential for a sturdy crust.
Rotate the dough occasionally to ensure it retains a circular shape and doesn't stick. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness; this provides a solid base that won't overpower your filling.
If the dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up.
Once you achieve the desired thickness, you're ready to move on to the next step in preparing your pie. Additionally, using butter for flavor in your pie crust can enhance the overall taste and texture of the final dish.
Step 4. Assemble Pie and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even cooking while you assemble the pie.
In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and seasonings. Press this mixture into the bottom and sides of a greased 10-inch pie plate to form the meat crust.
In another bowl, mix the cooked rice with the remaining seasoned tomato sauce and half a cup of grated cheese. Spoon this filling into the meat crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake the assembled pie in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and the flavors to meld.
After that, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly. This dish can be a comforting meal, reminiscent of emotional well-being that families often seek during busy times.
Step 5. Let Cool Before Serving
After the pie has baked to perfection, allowing it to cool for about 10-15 minutes is important. This cooling period helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
It also allows the filling to set, preventing it from spilling out when you slice into it. A cooled pie is much easier to cut into neat portions, which is especially handy if you're looking to impress your guests.
Plus, letting the pie rest reduces the risk of burns from that hot filling, ensuring you can serve it safely. Additionally, just as color accuracy is vital for achieving the best visual experience in home cinema projectors, the cooling process is essential for optimal flavor development in your pie.
Final Thoughts
As you savor the comforting flavors of the Rice Pie with Meat Crust, it's easy to see why this dish has become a cherished family favorite.
This unique combination of cooked rice, tomato sauce, and a hearty lean ground beef crust not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart. You can customize it with your favorite spices or sprinkle remaining cheese on top for an extra touch.
Using a greased deep dish pie plate ensures a perfect bake, while pre-baking the crust helps reduce greasiness.
This family recipe, often passed down through generations, symbolizes comfort and tradition, making it a dish you'll want to share with your loved ones.
Additionally, the cultural traditions behind family recipes often enhance the experience of cooking and sharing meals together.
Enjoy creating and cherishing your own Rice Pie with Meat!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is in a Country Pie?
A country pie typically includes a savory filling made from meat, vegetables, and sometimes grains.
You'll often find ground beef, chicken, or pork, seasoned with herbs and spices for flavor. Onions, carrots, and peas add texture and nutrition.
The crust can be homemade with flour, butter, and water, or you can use a pre-made option for convenience.
Once baked until golden brown, it creates a hearty dish perfect for family meals.
What Were Meat Pies Originally Called?
Meat pies were originally called "coffins" in medieval England, referring to the pastry crust that encased the filling.
This term highlighted the protective nature of the crust, much like a coffin.
Over time, the word evolved to encompass various styles and fillings, leading to the broader use of "pie" in the 14th century.
Which Country's National Dish Is a Meat Pie?
You might think a meat pie could be the world's most universal dish, but it's actually Australia's national pride.
They've embraced this savory pastry like no other, consuming over 70 million each year. While many countries have their own versions, Australia's meat pie stands out, often enjoyed at sporting events and local bakeries.
This culinary icon reflects the country's rich history and love for hearty, satisfying meals, making it truly unique.
What to Serve With Meat Pie Dinner?
When you're planning a meat pie dinner, think about balancing the rich flavors of the pie.
A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast.
Roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts add a hearty touch.
Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta can enhance comfort.
Don't forget some crusty bread for soaking up juices.
For a drink, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir will elevate your meal beautifully.
Conclusion
Incorporating pie sun with rice and meat into your meals isn't just about flavor; it's a nod to a rich culinary history. Did you know that rice is a staple for over half the world's population? This dish marries diverse cultural influences, offering both comfort and nourishment. So, next time you savor this delightful combination, you're not just enjoying a meal—you're partaking in a global tradition. Give it a try, and savor the history on your plate!
