Meat Crust Pie is a wild and wacky dish from my childhood. Turns out this meat, cheese and rice concoction wasn’t unique to my upbringing, though. My friend Susie has fond memories of Meat Crust Pie. She shares memories and I show you how to make it in a quick YouTube video.
Meat Crust Pie
This recipe is pretty easy, but there are two spots where I’ve screwed it up in the past. First, be sure to mind the directions where it says to divide the cheese, tomato sauce and green peppers. They go both into the crust and into the filling.
The other place to watch out is in draining off the excess fat after the initial 25 minute bake. Tilt the plate slightly to drain off some of the fat, but don’t go overboard or you’ll lose your whole pie. That would be sad!
Did you grow up with Meat Crust Pie? I’d love to hear your memories! Or if you didn’t grow up with this dish, what was your favorite family recipe that sometimes raises an eyebrow. Meat Crust Pie is admittedly wacky, but one of my favorites.
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Meat Crust Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 - 8 1x
Description
Meat Crust Pie is a mid-century American favorite with meat for crust and cheesy rice for filling.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce, divided
- 1⁄2 cup dry bread crumbs (or panko)
- 1⁄2 cup chopped green bell pepper, divided
- 1⁄4 cup minced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups prepared white long grain rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Combine beef, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup bell pepper, onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, oregano and black pepper in large bowl; mix well. Pat onto bottom and up side of ungreased 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
- Combine rice with remaining 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce, 1/2 cup cheese and remaining 1/4 cup bell pepper. Mix well.
- Spoon rice mixture into meat shell. Cover with foil; bake 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and drain fat carefully. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Allow to rest 5 minutes to set.
- Serve in slices.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Entree
- Cuisine: American
March 23, 2017, 10:08 pm
I first received this recipe from The Turtle Restaurant in Sedona, back in the mid ’60’s. It was one that we all liked, including your Mom, who has passed it along to you. I’m glad you like it as much as we did, it’s great with a tossed salad and french bread!
March 30, 2017, 11:56 pm
That’s awesome! I didn’t know that part of the story. Meat Crust Pie is one of Ryan’s favorites!
April 16, 2019, 3:25 pm
I first made this when I was a young teenager it was on a book of matches sponsored by Hunts tomatoes sauce loved this dish
April 3, 2024, 3:39 pm
Love this pie. It is truly delicious
July 10, 2024, 1:28 am
Thank you for your recipe, my pastry dough came out amazing. My pies were delicious
August 11, 2024, 9:04 pm
I know how to thank you for the amount of time and expertise you have generously shared with me. I truly appreciate your ability to inspire and motivate.
August 12, 2024, 9:40 pm
I really enjoyed this cake recipe, it’s so visually appealing, and I appreciate the thorough and easy-to-follow instructions.
August 26, 2024, 2:48 am
great to read your post!
September 5, 2024, 2:46 am
Thanks for sharing the recipe.
September 18, 2024, 7:49 pm
My cake batter came out great.
October 8, 2024, 7:32 pm
I like this recipe, it’s delicious
November 2, 2024, 1:56 am
Wow, that meat pie looks so good! Thanks for giving everyone the full recipe.
November 26, 2024, 8:30 pm
Your vast amounts of time and knowledge have been so freely shared with me
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December 21, 2024, 6:31 pm
I have fiddled with this recipe, and made it international. I make the crust just about the same, but leave out the green peppers (just a personal choice, we don’t care for them) and add about a short teaspoon of ground cumin and 1/2 tsp chili powder. When making the rice layer I also add 1/2 tsp cumin and use diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce.l cook about half a pound of bacon, or more to your taste, and use 1 cup minute rice. Mix all the rice ingredients together and add to the center of the meat rust. The extra liquid in the died tomatoes will cook the minute rice. Follow the cooking times and cheese as you have listed. It comes out like a Spanish rice