Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 400g ground beef (14 ounces)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 medium carrot (grated)
• Salt, pepper, and dried garlic to taste

For the Crust:

• 5 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 7 tablespoons flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Additional:

• Springform pan (22 cm / 9 in)

Steps to Make It:

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Begin by heating a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and grated carrot, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots soften.
• Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and dried garlic to taste. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully cooked through.
• Once the beef is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly while you prepare the crust.

2. Prepare the Crust:

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and mayonnaise until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until you have a smooth batter. The batter should be slightly thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more sour cream to reach the right consistency.

3. Assemble the Pie:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease the springform pan lightly with oil or butter.
• Pour half of the batter into the bottom of the prepared springform pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
• Spread the cooled ground beef filling evenly over the batter layer.
• Pour the remaining batter over the top of the beef filling, making sure to cover the entire surface. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring even coverage.

4. Bake the Pie:

• Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan before releasing the springform ring.

5. Serve:

• Carefully transfer the savory pie to a serving platter and slice it into portions.
• Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and pair it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 3mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef? Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a mixture of meats. The flavors will vary slightly, but the pie will still be delicious.
2. Can I add other vegetables to the filling? Absolutely! You can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to sauté them before adding them to the filling to avoid excess moisture.
3. Can I make the pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the pie and reheat it when ready to serve.
4. What can I serve with this savory pie? This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a cup of soup for a complete meal. It also works well with a dollop of sour cream or a tangy dipping sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Savory Ground Beef Pie:

1. Ensure the Filling is Well-Seasoned:
   • Don’t forget to season the ground beef mixture generously. The filling is the heart of this dish, so tasting and adjusting the seasoning while cooking is crucial to ensure a flavorful result.
2. Let the Filling Cool Slightly Before Assembling:
   • Allowing the ground beef mixture to cool a bit before assembling the pie will prevent the batter from cooking too quickly, ensuring an even bake.
3. Use a Springform Pan:
   • A springform pan makes it much easier to remove the pie from the pan and serve it neatly. If you don’t have one, a regular round cake pan can work, but make sure to line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
4. Customize the Crust:
   • You can sprinkle some grated cheese over the top layer of the batter for extra flavor and a golden crust. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning can also be added to the crust for a herby touch.
5. Don’t Overmix the Batter:
   • Mix the batter just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined to avoid a dense or tough crust. A light hand ensures a tender, fluffy crust.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration:
  Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Freezing:
  This savory pie freezes well. After baking and cooling, you can wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven before serving.
• Reheating:
  Reheat slices in the oven or microwave. If reheating in the oven, cover the pie with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion:

This Savory Ground Beef and Vegetable Pie is an easy and satisfying dish that combines the best of both worlds: a hearty meat filling and a tender, fluffy crust. The addition of onions and carrots to the beef gives the filling a rich flavor, while the sour cream and mayonnaise in the batter make the crust soft and flavorful. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even as a meal prep option for busy weekdays.

The pie is highly versatile, allowing you to customize the filling and crust to suit your taste. Whether served on its own or paired with a salad, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this comforting dish, and don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients!