Hearty Potato and Meat Pie with Vegetables

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Slice the potatoes thinly and layer them on the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, around 7-10 minutes.
Add the chopped celery and mushrooms to the beef mixture, cooking until the vegetables soften, about 5 more minutes.
Season the filling with 1 tsp of salt, 2/3 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tsp of paprika. Mix well, and cook until everything is fully combined and fragrant.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spread half of the cooked meat mixture evenly over the layer of potatoes in the baking dish.
Pour half of the beaten eggs over the meat mixture, allowing it to settle among the ingredients.
Add another layer of thinly sliced potatoes on top, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Spread the remaining meat mixture over the potato layer, and pour the remaining beaten eggs over the top.
Place the cheese slices on top of the filling, evenly spaced to cover the surface.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden, the cheese is melted, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
(Approximately based on 6 servings)

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on the specific brands and portions used.

Tips for Making the Perfect Potato and Meat Pie:
Slice Potatoes Evenly: Thin, even slices of potatoes ensure they cook evenly in the oven. Use a mandoline for precise, uniform slices if you have one.
Use Flavorful Cheese: Cheddar or Gouda will add a rich, sharp taste, but feel free to try other varieties like Swiss or pepper jack for a twist.
Pre-cook Potatoes for Extra Softness: If you prefer softer potatoes, consider parboiling them for 5 minutes before layering. This can speed up the baking time and ensure a softer texture.
Mix up the Meat: Ground beef works wonderfully, but you can substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or a combination of beef and pork for different flavors.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, let the pie cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the pie?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible. You could add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or grated carrots for extra nutrition and color.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes, sweet potatoes will work well and add a slightly sweet, rich flavor. They may also cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them during baking.

Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: You can use a dairy-free cheese alternative and substitute the olive oil for butter. The eggs can be replaced with a vegan egg substitute, though the texture will differ slightly.

Q: Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
A: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free seasonings and cheese.

Conclusion:
This hearty potato and meat pie with vegetables is a satisfying and savory meal that’s perfect for family dinners or make-ahead lunches. The combination of tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s both nourishing and comforting. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this pie is an ideal go-to recipe that you can easily adapt based on the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy your homemade, heartwarming meal!