Hamburger Pie

The Better Homes and Gardens Golden Treasury says that this is the most popular recipe Better Homes and Gardens has ever published.  It’s no wonder – this Forties-era beefy dish with popular vegetables is almost universally liked by both men and children, and the potatoes, onions and green beans are easy-to-grow garden items too, making it even cheaper to make.  It’s also a good way to use up leftover or planned-over mashed potatoes.

My husband likes this just as well or better with mushroom soup instead of tomato soup.  I made it in my cast iron skillet to use less dishes – I cooked and drained the beef and onion, added the rest of the ingredients and then baked it off right in the skillet for a homey hot dish.  Either way, use a wide, shallow baking dish so you have plenty of room for potatoes on top.

I baked a little apple crisp with home canned apple pie filling at the same time, and made this a complete oven meal.  For company, fill out the meal with a green salad or cole slaw, and rolls or cornbread and maybe a deviled egg plate.

                              Hamburger Pie

  1          pound  ground beef

     ½      cup  onion -- chopped

     ½      teaspoon  salt

  15        ounces  canned green beans -- cut (or 1 pint home canned), drained

  1          can  condensed tomato soup -- 10 3/4 ounce

  5          medium  potatoes -- cooked **

     ½      cup  whole milk -- warm

  1          large  egg -- beaten

     ½      cup  american cheese -- shredded

In a large skillet, cook the meat and onion till meat is lightly browned and onion is tender.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in drained beans and soup; pour into greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.

Mash potatoes while hot; add milk and egg.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Spoon mounds of potatoes over casserole.

Sprinkle potatoes with cheese.  Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes.  Serves 4-6.

**Or, prepare 4 servings packaged instant mashed potatoes according to package directions, except reserve the milk.  Add egg and season to taste.  Add just enough reserved milk so potatoes are stiff enough to hold shape.  Continue with recipe.

2011 Cost:  $5.27 or 88¢ per serving if using purchased potatoes, green beans and onion.  I used home grown onions, potatoes and home canned green beans and the recipe cost $3.36 or 56¢ per serving.