When it comes to comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds, Ground Beef Pot Pie stands out as a beloved favorite. The combination of savory ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a flaky crust makes it a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s the kind of meal that brings back fond memories of family dinners and cozy evenings at home. Whether you’re looking to nourish your family or impress guests with a homemade meal, this recipe for Ground Beef Pot Pie is sure to impress.
Why We Love This Ground Beef Pot Pie Recipe
What makes this Ground Beef Pot Pie so special? For starters, it encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort. The rich filling, made with tender ground beef and hearty vegetables, is enveloped in a golden brown crust that gives each bite a delightful crunch. It’s also wonderfully versatile—perfect for using up leftover ingredients or adapting to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests come calling. This dish is not just about taste; it’s about creating warmth and memories in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Pot Pie
To create your delicious Ground Beef Pot Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
List of Ingredients
- 1 package (2, 9″ pie crusts)
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 cans (10.5 oz. each) Cream of Potato Condensed Soup
- 1 package (12 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 – 3/4 tsp cracked pepper
- Sea salt to taste
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp water
- Olive oil
How to Make Ground Beef Pot Pie Directions
Making a Ground Beef Pot Pie is a delightful experience that can be completed in just a few steps. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven heats up, grab a skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and allow it to warm until it glistens.
Next, introduce the ground beef into the skillet. Cook it until it is browned, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. If your mixed vegetables are still frozen, you can easily defrost them in the microwave to save time. Once the beef is fully browned, carefully drain any excess oil from the skillet to keep your pie filling from becoming greasy.
Now it’s time to mix everything together! In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with the Cream of Potato Soup, thawed mixed vegetables, thyme, garlic powder, cracked pepper, and your desired amount of sea salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and evenly coated.
Now, you can assemble your pot pie. Place one pie crust at the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring it covers the sides and bottom evenly. Pour your savory beef and vegetable mixture into the crust, spreading it across the bottom evenly. Take the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Fold the top crust over the bottom one, pressing down gently to seal them together. To ensure the filling stays enclosed while baking, crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.
For a beautiful finish, whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl. Brush this mixture lightly over the top crust for a golden color during baking. Lastly, make several small slits in the top of the pie crust with a knife to allow steam to escape.
Now it’s time to bake! Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove the pot pie from the oven and allow it to cool for several minutes before slicing into it. Your Ground Beef Pot Pie is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Ground Beef Pot Pie
Serving Ground Beef Pot Pie is as simple as slicing it into generous portions, complementing it with your favorite sides. A warm slice of this pot pie makes a wonderful meal on its own, but you can elevate the dinner table by serving it alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. The crispness of a salad contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and flaky crust, creating a balanced meal.
For an extra touch, you might consider offering some hot sauce or your favorite condiment on the side for those who enjoy a bit of spice. Family-style dining is always a hit, so allow everyone to help themselves to as much as they like. Remember, this dish can be enjoyed any night of the week, and it’s even better the next day!
Expert Tips for Ground Beef Pot Pie
Creating the perfect Ground Beef Pot Pie can be easy with these expert tips:
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients wherever possible. If you have access to homemade pie crust, it can enhance the flavor and texture significantly.
Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to customize the seasoning. Add herbs like rosemary or oregano for added flavor depth.
Thickening the Filling: If you prefer a thicker filling, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the soup mixture. This will make it heartier and less soupy.
Vegetable Choices: Feel free to change up the vegetables based on your preferences. You can opt for peas, carrots, or even green beans.
Golden Crust: If you want an extra golden crust, you can brush the crust with more egg wash halfway through baking.
Cooling Time: Allowing the pot pie to sit after baking will help the filling set a bit more, making it easier to slice.
How to Store Ground Beef Pot Pie
To keep your Ground Beef Pot Pie fresh after baking, allow it to cool completely before storing it. If you have leftovers, cover the pot pie with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store the pie in the refrigerator, and it will stay good for up to three days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the unbaked or baked pie. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or freezer wrap, and it can last in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pot pie, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If it’s already baked, you can reheat it in the oven to restore the flaky crust and warm the filling.
Variations of Ground Beef Pot Pie
While the traditional Ground Beef Pot Pie is delicious on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Cheesy Addition: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the filling for a cheesy twist that enhances the flavor.
Spicy Kick: If you love some heat, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture to spice things up.
Different Proteins: While ground beef is a classic choice, feel free to swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian or healthier option.
Savory Creaminess: Instead of Cream of Potato Soup, you could use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile or even make a homemade creamy sauce.
Whole Wheat Crust: For a healthier version, try whole wheat pie crust which adds a nutty flavor while still delivering that perfect flaky texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ground Beef Pot Pie a comfort food?
Ground Beef Pot Pie is considered comfort food because it combines familiar and heartwarming flavors in a warm, flaky crust. The combination of savory beef, creamy filling, and vegetables creates a dish that is satisfying and nostalgic, often bringing back memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals.
Can I freeze Ground Beef Pot Pie?
Yes! You can freeze either unbaked or baked Ground Beef Pot Pie. Make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or freezer wrap. This makes it easy to enjoy later. If baking from frozen, allow extra baking time to ensure the pie heats through completely.
How do I know when the pot pie is done baking?
You’ll know your Ground Beef Pot Pie is done baking when the crust is a beautiful golden brown. Additionally, if the filling is bubbling at the edges, it indicates that it has heated through.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! You can make several substitutions to create a healthier version of Ground Beef Pot Pie. Using lean ground beef, whole wheat pie crust, and incorporating more vegetables can reduce the calorie content while still delivering great flavor.
Ground Beef Pot Pie
Ingredients
- 1 package (2, 9″ pie crusts)
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 cans (10.5 oz. each) Cream of Potato Condensed Soup
- 1 package (12 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
- Sea salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and brown the ground beef until cooked through.
- If frozen, defrost mixed vegetables in the microwave. Drain any excess oil from the skillet once the beef is browned.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ground beef, Cream of Potato Soup, thawed mixed vegetables, thyme, garlic powder, cracked pepper, and sea salt.
- Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the crust and cover with the second crust. Seal and crimp the edges.
- Whisk together the egg and water, then brush the mixture over the top crust. Cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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