New England Meat Pie

This meat pie is delicious but does take some time to make because there are a number of steps. If you have some time, this recipe is worth it. I am not sure the origin of this recipe. It has all the common elements of a savory pie--meat and vegetables. 

When I made this recipe, I used a 10x6 loaf pan but the pieces did not stay together. Next time I make this recipe, I might use a 9x9 pan or a classic pie pan. I think that the pieces would stay formed better. Also, when I made this recipe, I used pie dough to form the lattice on top instead of cheese. Also, Mom's recipe calls for cans of tomato sauce with onion, but I just added minced onion to regular tomato sauce.

New England Meat Pie 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
• 2 Tbsp. minced onion
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 10-ounce package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1/2 tsp. crushed thyme
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 12-ounce package hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 3 Tbsp. oil
• 5-6 slices American cheese, cut into 1/2 inch strips

Combine beef, 2 tablespoons tomato sauce, egg, bread crumbs, and salt; shape into one-inch meatballs. In a skillet, lightly brown meatballs; drain fat. Stir in rest of tomato sauce, mixed vegetables, thyme, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, press potatoes over bottom of 9x9 baking dish; drizzle with oil and place under broiler until lightly browned. Spoon meatball mixture over potatoes; arrange cheese in lattice pattern on top. Bake at 375 for 20 to 25 minutes. Enjoy!

Pizzaburger Loaf

This recipe is a variation on classic meatloaf, with a bit of pizza flair. It is easy to make and easy to eat. Many of the ingredients are pantry staples. Meatloaf is a classic American dish. But these modifications make it a little more pizza-like, combining two great American dishes into one.

This recipe is a nice cold weather meal. The loaf is in the oven for more than an hour and is so comforting to eat fresh from the oven on a cold day. When I made this recipe, I used shredded mozzarella instead of sliced because that is what I had on hand. I also used less salt.

Pizzaburger Loaf 

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 cup soft bread crumbs
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1/4 tsp. basil
• mozzarella cheese 

Combine onion, tomato paste, and water in a saucepan; simmer for 20 minutes. Mix together beef, egg, bread crumbs, salt, oregano, and basil. Add 1/2 cup prepared sauce and blend well. Form into a loaf and place in a 10x6x2 baking dish. Bake at 375 for 50 minutes. Pour sauce over; arrange cheese on top. Bake 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Greek-style Macaroni Bake

This recipe is a variation of the classic Greek Pastitsio, which is similar to lasagna. This recipe has some preparation involved before it goes into the oven to bake, so it does take a bit of time. But the ingredients are common enough that you might have them around the house ready to use.

Just like Pastitsio, this recipe used cinnamon and nutmeg to create a delicious and unique flavor. I actually used a bit more cinnamon than the recipe calls for because I like the flavor. When I made this recipe, I used a 9x9 pan, but you could easily scale this recipe up just a little bit for use in a 13x10 pan to feed a crowd.

Greek-style Macaroni Bake 

• 3/4 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

Brown beef and onion. Drain fat. Stir in next 3 ingredients. Set aside. Combine mayonnaise and flour; stir into milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick (do not boil). Beat eggs, cheese and nutmeg. Gradually stir into sauce. Add macaroni. Spoon half macaroni mix into baking dish. Cover with meat mix. Top with remaining macaroni. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes. Enjoy!