Table of contents
- Craving a Meal That’s Both Simple and Stunning?
- Why You’ll Love It
- What Makes This Dish Unique?
- Ingredient List
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Optional Toppings/Variations
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Variations and Customization Options
- Serving Suggestions
- Give This Skillet Pie a Try!
- Related Recipes You’ll Love
Craving a Meal That’s Both Simple and Stunning?
Have you ever wished for a dish that comes together effortlessly yet looks like it belongs on a restaurant menu? Look no further! This skillet pie is your answer, it’s naturally comforting, naturally delicious, and naturally a showstopper. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that’s easy to whip up, leaving you with plenty of time to relax and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love It
- The buttery, flaky crust perfectly complements the savory, hearty filling. It’s a textural masterpiece that’s naturally satisfying.
- It’s incredibly versatile, meaning you can naturally adjust the filling based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving. Think different meats, veggies, or cheeses!
- This is a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup! It’s naturally simple and efficient, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Impress your friends or family with minimal effort; this looks like it took hours to prepare. It’s naturally stunning.
- The flavors meld beautifully in the skillet, creating a robust and comforting meal that’s naturally unforgettable.
What Makes This Dish Unique?
This isn’t your typical pie; it’s cooked entirely in a skillet, which gives the crust a delightful crispness that’s hard to achieve in a traditional pie dish. The technique of building the pie directly in the pan allows for a naturally rustic presentation, and the exposed edges of the crust get beautifully browned and wonderfully crunchy. It’s a blend of ease and elegance, making it a standout meal. The naturally simple preparation method combined with a hearty outcome sets it apart.
Ingredient List
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, making sure to crumble with a spoon or spatula. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until they become soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened slightly.
- Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour beef broth into the skillet, ensuring the vegetables are covered. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully unroll one pie crust and place it over the filling in the skillet. Press it down lightly.
- Use a sharp knife to make several slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together. Brush the top of the pie crust with the egg wash.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Optional Toppings/Variations
This dish is fantastic as-is, but feel free to get creative! Consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese like cheddar or Gruyere to the top of the pie before baking for an extra layer of flavor. For a different texture, try a layer of mashed potatoes beneath the pie crust. Adding a touch of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives just after baking can also add a nice pop of flavor and freshness. You can also brush with garlic butter after its out the oven.
- Add 1/2 cup shredded cheese, sprinkled over the filling before adding the top crust.
- Layer 1 cup of mashed potatoes on top of the filling before topping with the crust.
- Garnish with fresh chopped herbs, like parsley or chives, after baking.
- Brush the cooked pie crust with melted garlic butter for extra flavor.
Expert Tips
- Make sure your oven-safe skillet has a wide base so your ingredients can lay in a nice layer, preventing it from becoming too crowded.
- When creating slits on the top crust, make sure to cut deep enough to allow for steam to escape; this prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- If the crust begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the skillet with foil during baking, this will allow the pie to finish cooking without over browning the crust.
- Let your pie sit for at least 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven, this will help it set up and makes it easier to serve.
- Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Taste as you go and add more salt and pepper as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I substitute the ground beef or turkey with another protein? Absolutely! Ground chicken, sausage, or even lentils can be used as a fantastic alternative. Just ensure you cook them properly before adding them to the skillet.
- Can I use a homemade pie crust? Yes, feel free to use your homemade pie crust. The instructions remain the same. The use of store bought crusts is just a convenience.
- Can this be made ahead? You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, top the filling with the crust and bake as directed.
- How should I store leftovers? Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Can I add more veggies? Absolutely, feel free to add any veggies you love! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach work wonders. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your choices.
Variations and Customization Options
This dish is a naturally blank slate for your culinary creativity! You can easily change it up depending on the season, your personal preferences, or what you have in your kitchen. Try a vegetarian version with added mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Swap in a creamy tomato sauce for the broth for an Italian-inspired dish. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations to alter the flavor profile. Think about switching up the herbs as well! Naturally, there are endless possibilities.
- Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or a combination of beans instead of meat, with added mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Italian Twist: Swap beef broth with a creamy tomato sauce and add Italian seasonings with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix different cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere, or a sharp provolone for a unique flavor.
- Herb Variations: Use different herbs like basil, oregano or a mix of herbs that you enjoy
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet pie hot, straight from the oven for a rustic and comforting meal. It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner. It is also great on its own! For a casual gathering, you can present the skillet at the table so everyone can easily serve themselves. The naturally comforting taste will be a hit for anyone you present it to!
Give This Skillet Pie a Try!
This skillet pie is a naturally delicious and incredibly versatile option for anyone looking for an easy, impressive meal. Its ease of preparation combined with its stunning presentation makes it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, or any gatherings. Don’t wait! Try this naturally comforting creation and experience its unique blend of flavors and textures. Share your photos and tag us; we can’t wait to see what you create!