Hearty Meat Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• Pastry for two double-crust pies
• 2 cups grated peeled potatoes
• 1-1/4 cups diced celery
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 pound lean ground beef
• MUSHROOM GRAVY (for each pie):
• 1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
• 4 drops browning sauce, optional

Directions

• Divide pastry into fourths. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion to fit a 9-in. pie plate. In a large bowl, combine the next seven ingredients; crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Spoon half into crust.
• Roll out another portion of pastry to fit top of pie; place over filling and seal edges. Cut vents in top pastry. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling. Cover and freeze one pie for up to 3 months.
• Bake second pie at 375° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat; bake at 350° for 1 hour. Meanwhile, drain mushrooms, reserving liquid. Add water to liquid to measure 1 cup; set aside.
• In a small saucepan, cook mushrooms and flour in oil until bubbly. Remove from the heat; stir in bouillon and reserved mushroom liquid. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Stir in browning sauce if desired. Serve with pie.
• To use frozen pie: Bake at 375° for 70 minutes. Prepare gravy as directed. Serve with pie. Yield: 2 pies (6-8 servings each).

Hearty Meat Pie published in Quick Cooking September/October 1998, p34