New England Meat Pie

New England Meat Pie Recipe - Delicious Homemade Pie with Sausage and Ground Beef

Region / culture: New England | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

New England Meat Pie is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This savory pie is filled with a delicious mixture of breakfast sausage, ground beef, onions, and spices, all encased in a flaky pie crust. It's a classic dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

New England Meat Pie has its roots in traditional New England cuisine, where hearty and filling dishes are a staple. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to make it their own. It's a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.

Ingredients

2 9-inch pie crusts
0.5 lb (227 g) bulk breakfast sausage
0.75 lb (340 g) ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
0.5 tsp celery seed
0.5 tsp poultry seasoning
salt to taste
a few grinds of fresh black pepper
small can of chopped green chilies (optional)
2 cups boiled potatoes, cubed
1 cup gravy of your choice

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a skillet, sauté breakfast sausage, ground beef, onion, celery seed, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper together.
Stir in green chilies.
Pour the mixture into a pie crust and top with the second pie crust.
Bake for about one hour until brown and bubbly.
Serve the pie warm.
Cool the mixture, then fold in the cubed boiled potatoes and gravy.

Variations

You can add in different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or sage for added flavor.
Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the pie.
For a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based meat substitutes or lentils in place of the meat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the meat and onions until they are fully cooked and browned for the best flavor.

- Feel free to customize the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

- You can add in other vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

- Be sure to let the pie cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

New England Meat Pie pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. It's also delicious served with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of gravy on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious New England Meat Pie is to sauté the meat and onions until they are fully cooked and browned. This will help develop the flavors and create a rich and savory filling for the pie.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have breakfast sausage on hand, you can use regular sausage or bacon instead. You can also use different types of ground meat like pork or lamb for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the pie. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve New England Meat Pie on a large platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. You can also cut the pie into individual slices and serve on decorative plates for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

New England Meat Pie pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. You can also serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover New England Meat Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of New England Meat Pie contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of New England Meat Pie contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of New England Meat Pie contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of New England Meat Pie contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

New England Meat Pie is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (gluten) and soy (in the gravy). It may also contain dairy if using a dairy-based gravy.

Summary

New England Meat Pie is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a comforting dinner.

Summary

New England Meat Pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This savory pie is filled with a delicious mixture of breakfast sausage, ground beef, onions, and spices, all encased in a flaky pie crust. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a crisp autumn day in New England, with leaves falling gently to the ground and a hint of pumpkin spice in the air. I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known for her incredible cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of savory meat and flaky pastry.

Martha beckoned me over to the stove, where she was busy stirring a pot of simmering beef and vegetables. "I'm making my famous New England Meat Pie," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations."

I watched in awe as Martha expertly rolled out the pie crust and filled it with the hearty meat mixture. She then carefully covered it with another sheet of dough, crimping the edges with a fork before popping it into the oven to bake.

As the pie baked, Martha regaled me with stories of her grandmother, who had emigrated from England and brought this recipe with her. She spoke of how her grandmother used to make the meat pie for special occasions, filling the house with warmth and love.

When the pie emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, Martha sliced into it and served me a generous portion. The first bite was a revelation - tender chunks of beef, sweet carrots, and earthy mushrooms all encased in flaky pastry. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I begged Martha for the recipe, knowing that I had to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen. She laughed and handed me a tattered old recipe card, stained with years of use. "Just promise me you'll make it with love," she said with a wink.

And so, armed with Martha's precious recipe, I set out to make my first New England Meat Pie. I followed the instructions carefully, chopping vegetables, browning beef, and seasoning with a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of thyme. The kitchen was filled with the comforting scent of simmering stew as I rolled out the pie crust and assembled the pie.

As the pie baked in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. I thought of Martha and her grandmother, of the generations of women who had lovingly prepared this dish before me. I knew that I was carrying on a tradition, honoring the past while creating something new.

When the pie was finally done, I eagerly sliced into it and took a bite. The flavors were just as I remembered - rich, savory, and utterly satisfying. I knew that I had captured the essence of Martha's recipe, that I had brought a piece of New England tradition into my own home.

Since that day, I have made Martha's New England Meat Pie countless times. I have shared it with friends and family, who always ask for the recipe. I have tweaked it and made it my own, adding my own personal touch to this beloved dish.

But no matter how many times I make it, the magic of that first pie will always stay with me. It was more than just a recipe - it was a connection to the past, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing to make another batch of New England Meat Pie, I can't help but smile. I am a keeper of tradition, a bearer of stories, and a creator of delicious memories. And for that, I am forever grateful.