Nothing beats the warm, nostalgic vibe of an old-fashioned hamburger pie, a beloved American classic that’s been gracing family tables for generations. We’ve perfected this hearty dish by blending ground beef with veggies and a flaky crust, turning simple ingredients into a comforting meal that feels like a hug from the past.
It’s our go-to recipe for busy weeknights, offering that satisfying mix of flavors without the fuss. Whether you’re new to home cooking or a seasoned pro, we’ll guide you through creating this timeless favorite that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
In our Old Fashioned Hamburger Pie recipe, we gather simple yet flavorful ingredients that evoke the classic comfort of this American favorite. Below, we list them in the order of use, complete with precise measurements and prep notes to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
Filling Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound lean ground beef, browned and drained, as the hearty base that brings rich flavor to our pie.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced, to sauté first for a sweet aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, added after the onion for a punchy depth that enhances the meat’s savoriness.
- Mixed Vegetables: 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn), thawed and drained, to add a colorful, nutritious crunch.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 cup canned tomato sauce, stirred in next for a tangy moisture that binds the filling.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, combined and sprinkled to season the mixture evenly.
Crust Ingredients
- Pie Crust: 1 pre-made refrigerated pie crust (9-inch), rolled out for the bottom, providing a flaky base that complements the filling.
- Mashed Potatoes (for topping): 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes (made from 4 medium russet potatoes, boiled and mashed with 2 tablespoons butter and ¼ cup milk), spread on top for a golden, comforting finish that sets this pie apart.
This selection ensures a balanced, nostalgic meal that’s quick to prepare and full of wholesome appeal.
Required Equipment
To prepare our Old Fashioned Hamburger Pie with ease and precision, we recommend gathering the essential tools beforehand. This ensures a smooth transition from mixing ingredients to baking a delicious, golden-crusted pie that evokes classic American comfort.
Here’s a detailed list of the required equipment, organized by the order of use in the recipe process:
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: We use this first to brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic, ensuring even cooking and flavorful results.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables like onions and garlic with accuracy, helping us achieve the perfect texture in the filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: These tools allow us to measure ingredients precisely, such as the tomato sauce and seasonings, for consistent and reliable outcomes every time.
- Mixing Bowl (Medium to Large): We rely on this to combine the cooked filling with vegetables and other components, making it simple to mix everything thoroughly.
- Baking Dish or Pie Pan (9-inch): This is key for assembling our pie, providing a sturdy base for the crust and filling to bake evenly into a hearty, nostalgic meal.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and scraping the skillet, it helps us avoid sticking and ensures nothing goes to waste during preparation.
- Oven: A standard kitchen appliance preheated to 375°F, which we use to bake the pie to perfection, resulting in a crispy top and tender interior.
By having these items ready, we can focus on creating a wholesome, family-favorite Old Fashioned Hamburger Pie that’s both efficient and enjoyable to make.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential equipment, let’s walk through the steps to prepare our hearty Old Fashioned Hamburger Pie. We will ensure each stage is straightforward and delivers that comforting, nostalgic flavor everyone loves.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, let’s get everything ready for efficiency. First, preheat our oven to 375°F to ensure even baking. Next, dice the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic to enhance their flavors. If our mixed vegetables are frozen, thaw them completely and drain any excess water to avoid a soggy filling. Gather the lean ground beef, canned tomato sauce, and seasonings in our mixing bowl for quick access. This preparation sets the stage for a seamless process and allows the fresh aromas of garlic and onion to build anticipation.
Cooking the Meat
With our prep complete, let’s cook the heart of the pie. In our large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and releases a savory, mouthwatering aroma. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring with our spatula for 2-3 minutes until they soften and turn fragrant, filling the kitchen with an irresistible scent. Stir in 1 cup of thawed mixed vegetables, 1 can of tomato sauce, and seasonings like 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, hearty filling that promises to delight with every bite.
Assembling the Pie
Now it’s time to build our pie for that classic layered texture. Press the pre-made pie crust into our baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly. Spoon the cooked meat mixture into the crust, spreading it out smoothly for uniform baking. Top it with 2 cups of prepared mashed potatoes, gently smoothing them over the filling to create a golden, crispy crown. This step transforms the ingredients into a visually appealing pie that’s as comforting to look at as it is to eat, with the creamy potatoes contrasting the savory base.
Baking
Finally, let’s bake our pie to perfection. Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly around the edges. Keep an eye on it after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning, rotating the dish halfway through for even heat distribution. Once done, the pie will emerge with a warm, inviting aroma that signals a meal ready to satisfy.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To keep our Old Fashioned Hamburger Pie convenient for busy schedules, we recommend these strategies for preparing it in advance and storing it properly. This ensures the dish retains its hearty flavors and comforting texture, with the savory beef filling and golden mashed potato topping staying just as inviting as when freshly baked.
Making Ahead
We love how Old Fashioned Hamburger Pie lends itself to make-ahead preparation, allowing us to save time without sacrificing taste. Follow these steps for seamless planning:
- Prepare the filling in advance: Brown the ground beef mixture as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, then cool it completely. Store the cooked filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This keeps the flavors—rich beef, aromatic onions, and zesty seasonings—fresh and ready to assemble.
- Assemble the pie ahead of time: Layer the cooled filling into the pie crust and top with mashed potatoes up to 8 hours before baking. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature, ensuring even cooking and a perfectly bubbling, golden-brown crust.
- Full preparation for freezing: For longer-term make-ahead options, assemble the entire pie without baking, wrap it securely in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, so we can enjoy that nostalgic, homey aroma wafting through the kitchen.
Storing Leftovers
Proper storage helps preserve the delicious, comforting qualities of our Old Fashioned Hamburger Pie, from its tender vegetable-studded filling to its flaky crust. Here’s how we handle leftovers to maintain quality:
- Refrigeration: Once the pie has cooled to room temperature after baking, cover it tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for optimal freshness, where it will keep for 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore that warm, savory appeal.
- Freezing: For extended storage, wrap cooled leftovers in heavy-duty foil or place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months to lock in the hearty flavors. When reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through, avoiding any loss of the pie’s moist, flavorful interior.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Cover tightly to prevent drying; reheat gently to maintain texture. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap in layers of foil for protection; thaw in fridge before reheating for even results. |
Conclusion
We’ve cherished bringing this old-fashioned hamburger pie to your kitchen, and we’re sure it’ll spark joy in your meals.
It’s more than just a recipe—it’s a way to connect over simple, hearty flavors.
Try it tonight and make it part of your family’s traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an old-fashioned hamburger pie?
An old-fashioned hamburger pie is a classic American comfort dish featuring a hearty filling of ground beef, vegetables, and seasonings, all baked in a flaky pie crust topped with mashed potatoes. It’s a nostalgic, family-friendly meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, appealing to both novice and experienced cooks.
What ingredients are needed for old-fashioned hamburger pie?
You’ll need lean ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, thawed mixed vegetables, canned tomato sauce, seasonings, a pre-made pie crust, and prepared mashed potatoes. Use precise measurements like 1 pound of beef and 1 cup of vegetables for the best results, ensuring a flavorful and balanced filling.
What equipment is required to make old-fashioned hamburger pie?
Essential tools include a large skillet for browning beef, a cutting board and knife for chopping veggies, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a mixing bowl for the filling, a baking dish for assembly, a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring, and an oven preheated to 375°F for baking. These basics make preparation straightforward.
How do I prepare old-fashioned hamburger pie step by step?
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and prepping ingredients. Brown the ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic, then add vegetables, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Layer the mixture into a pie crust, top with mashed potatoes, and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Can I make old-fashioned hamburger pie ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, or assemble the full pie and chill for up to 8 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled pie for up to 3 months. This makes it ideal for busy schedules—just thaw and bake when ready.
How should I store and reheat old-fashioned hamburger pie?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then bake at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker results. This keeps the pie moist and flavorful while maintaining its comforting appeal.