Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie Recipe

This upside-down tomato-beef pie is a hearty, savory dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of lean ground beef and unique blend of spices topped with a fluffy, tender crust makes this one of those recipes that might just become a family favorite.

Photos of Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are readily available in any regular kitchen. However, hot paprika might not be in your spice rack. It's a variety of paprika that's slightly spicier than regular paprika, which gives the dish a flavorful kick. You can find it in the spice section of your local supermarket.

Ingredients for Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie

Vegetable oil: A common cooking oil used for sauteing vegetables and browning meat.

Celery ribs: Adds a pleasant crunch and refreshing flavor to the dish.

Onion: Enhances the flavor base of the dish.

Lean ground beef: The main protein of the dish, providing a savory taste.

Hot paprika: Adds a spicy and smoky flavor.

Tomato soup: Gives a tangy flavor and forms the saucy base of the pie.

Water: Helps in blending the ingredients together.

Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor in the dish.

Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.

All purpose flour: Forms the base of the crust for the pie.

Baking powder: Helps the crust rise and become fluffy.

Celery seeds: Adds a subtle earthy flavor to the crust.

Vegetable shortening: Adds fat to the crust, making it tender and flaky.

Milk: Moistens the dough for the crust.

One reader, Guinna Mulder says:

This upside-down tomato-beef pie recipe is a game-changer! The savory beef filling combined with the fluffy, golden crust is a match made in heaven. The flavors are rich and comforting, and the presentation is impressive. It's a definite crowd-pleaser and a new family favorite. Highly recommended!

Guinna Mulder

Techniques Required for Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie

How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F to ensure it reaches the desired temperature for baking the pie.

How to cook the beef filling: Cook the beef filling over low to moderately high heat, ensuring the meat is thoroughly browned and the flavors are well blended.

How to make the crust: Prepare the crust by mixing the flour, baking powder, salt, and celery seeds, then cutting in the shortening until the mixture resembles small peas. Gently stir in the milk until a soft dough forms.

How to arrange the dough: Using two spoons, arrange tablespoon-size dollops of the dough evenly over the beef filling, leaving a 1-inch border around the skillet.

How to bake the pie: Bake the beef pie for 20 minutes at 450°F, or until the crust is browned and cooked through, and the filling is bubbling.

How to let the pie stand: Allow the pie to stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the pie to set.

How to make ahead: The beef filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight. Bring it to room temperature and reheat in the cast-iron skillet before proceeding with the recipe.

How To Make Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie

Enjoy a belly-filling serving of this hearty beef pie for dinner! It’s packed with rich spices, tomatoes, and tender beef cooked over flaky biscuit dough.

Preparation: 16 minutes

Cooking: 44 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

1tbspvegetable oil
3large celery ribs
1small onion
1½lbslean ground beef
1tbsphot paprika,plus 1 tsp
10¾ozcondensed tomato soup,(1 can)
¼cupwater
1tbsptomato paste
salt and freshly ground pepper
1½cupsall purpose flour
1tbspbaking powder
¼tspcelery seeds
5tbspsolid vegetable shortening
¾cupmilk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Heat the oil in a 9- to 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Add the celery and onion and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook over moderately high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for about 5 minutes, until no pink remains. Add the paprika and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato soup, water and tomato paste until thoroughly blended. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt and the celery seeds. Using a fork, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles small peas. Gently stir in the milk just until a soft dough forms.
Using 2 spoons, arrange tablespoon-size dollops of the dough all over the beef filling to within 1 inch of the edge of the skillet.
Bake the beef pie for 20 minutes, or until the crust is browned and cooked through and the filling is bubbling.
Let the pie stand for 10 minutes.
Invert onto a large, flat plate or serve straight out of the skillet. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 589.11kcal
Fat: 37.46g
Saturated Fat: 12.09g
Trans Fat: 2.76g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16.43g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.30g
Carbohydrates: 37.14g
Fiber: 2.74g
Sugar: 7.08g
Protein: 25.09g
Cholesterol: 83.56mg
Sodium: 680.30mg
Calcium: 257.64mg
Potassium: 813.19mg
Iron: 4.74mg
Vitamin A: 54.25µg
Vitamin C: 4.68mg

Mastering the Technique: A Tip for Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie

When preparing the dough for the crust of the pie, it's crucial not to overwork it. Overmixing can lead to a tough, rather than tender and flaky crust. When you're incorporating the milk, stir just until the dough comes together. It's perfectly fine if it looks a bit shaggy or uneven. This will ensure a light and flaky crust that complements the rich tomato-beef filling perfectly.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prep ahead: Make the beef filling in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This will save time on the day of cooking and allow the flavors to meld together for a more delicious dish.

Efficient assembly: Use a food processor to quickly chop the celery and onion for the filling, saving time and effort in the preparation process.

One-pot wonder: Consider using a large oven-safe skillet for both cooking the filling and baking the pie. This reduces the number of dishes to clean and streamlines the cooking process.

Quick crust: Instead of making the dough from scratch, consider using store-bought biscuit dough to top the beef filling for a time-saving shortcut.

Multi-task: While the pie is baking, use that time to prepare a simple side salad or set the table to make the overall meal preparation more efficient.

Substitute Ingredients For Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie Recipe

vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich and fruity flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
celery ribs - Substitute with fennel bulb: Fennel bulb can provide a similar crunchy texture and a hint of anise flavor to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate touch to the dish.
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to beef, reducing the overall fat content of the dish.
hot paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can impart a deep, smoky flavor to the dish, enhancing its complexity.
tomato soup - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Using crushed tomatoes can provide a more natural and chunky texture to the dish, with a fresher tomato flavor.
tomato paste - Substitute with sundried tomato paste: Sun-dried tomato paste can add a rich and concentrated tomato flavor, elevating the depth of the dish.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and increase the fiber content of the dish.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: This combination can act as a leavening agent, similar to baking powder, helping the dish to rise.
celery seeds - Substitute with caraway seeds: Caraway seeds can provide a similar earthy and slightly peppery flavor to the dish.
solid vegetable shortening - Substitute with unsalted butter: Butter can add a rich and creamy texture to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can add a tangy flavor and tender texture to the dish, enhancing its overall richness.

Best Presentation for Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie

Elevate the crust: Create a flaky and golden-brown crust that is perfectly cooked to add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the pie for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Serve in individual ramekins: Portion the pie into individual ceramic ramekins for an elegant and personalized presentation.
Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful design on the plate with a balsamic reduction to add a touch of acidity and visual appeal.
Incorporate edible flowers: Use delicate and colorful edible flowers to add a touch of sophistication and a floral aroma to the dish.
Accompany with a side salad: Serve the pie alongside a vibrant and refreshing side salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Use a ring mold for plating: Create a neat and structured presentation by using a ring mold to shape the beef pie on the plate.
Sprinkle with smoked paprika: Dust the top of the pie with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky and aromatic finish.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream: Add a dollop of sour cream on top of the pie for a creamy and tangy element.
Create a decorative lattice crust: Craft a lattice crust on top of the pie for a visually stunning and intricate presentation.

Essential Tools for Making This Recipe

Vegetable oil: Used for greasing the skillet and preventing the ingredients from sticking.
Cast-iron skillet: Ideal for even heat distribution and can be used for both stovetop and oven cooking.
Wooden spoon: Used for stirring and breaking up the ground beef while cooking.
Large bowl: Used for mixing the dry ingredients for the crust.
Fork: Used for cutting in the shortening and mixing the dough for the crust.
Spoons: Used for arranging the dollops of dough over the beef filling.
Flat plate: Used for inverting the pie for serving.

Storing and Freezing Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie

Let the upside-down tomato-beef pie cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the crust soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pie:
- Wrap the cooled pie tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped pie with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer. It will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen pie, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat the refrigerated or thawed pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove any wrapping and place the pie on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with strips of aluminum foil.
If you want to freeze individual portions, cut the cooled pie into slices and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. This way, you can thaw and reheat only the number of servings you need.

Reheating Leftovers: Tips and Tricks

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover upside-down tomato-beef pie in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the crust from becoming too crispy.
If you prefer a crispier crust, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the leftover pie on a baking sheet and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is crisp and the filling is heated through. Keep an eye on it to ensure the crust doesn't burn.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your microwave. Place a single slice of the pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. If reheating multiple slices, increase the time accordingly and rotate the plate halfway through for even heating.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your leftover pie. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the pie on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This method is perfect for reheating individual slices while maintaining a crispy crust.
For a stovetop method, place a slice of the pie in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes or until the filling is heated through and the crust is crispy. This method works well for individual slices and helps to crisp up the bottom crust.

Interesting Fact About Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie

The upside-down tomato-beef pie recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal. It pairs well with a juicy, peppery, medium-bodied red from the côtes du rhône in France, such as the 1999 Guigal or the 1999 Domaine André Brunel Cuvée Sommelongue. This wine choice complements the rich, creamy filling of the pie. Additionally, the beef filling can be refrigerated overnight and reheated in the cast-iron skillet before proceeding, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Is Making Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie at Home Cost-Effective?

This upside-down tomato-beef pie recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as lean ground beef and vegetable oil, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The addition of celery and onion adds flavor without breaking the bank. The use of tomato soup and tomato paste enhances the dish without requiring expensive fresh tomatoes. Overall, this recipe is a budget-friendly option for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 for its affordability and delicious flavors. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20.

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The upside-down tomato-beef pie recipe, while comforting and flavorful, has some aspects that could be improved to make it healthier:

The recipe uses ground beef, which can be high in saturated fat, especially if not using a lean variety
The pie crust is made with all-purpose flour and vegetable shortening, which are refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats
The recipe calls for a significant amount of tomato soup, which may contain added sugars and sodium

However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients like celery, onion, and tomato paste, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat option
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber and nutrients
Use a healthier fat source for the crust, such as olive oil or avocado oil, instead of vegetable shortening
Choose a low-sodium, reduced-sugar tomato soup or replace it with crushed tomatoes to minimize added sugars and salt
Increase the amount of vegetables in the filling, such as adding diced carrots or bell peppers, to boost the nutrient content
Serve the pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables to create a more balanced meal

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier version of this comforting upside-down tomato-beef pie while still savoring its delicious flavors.

Editor's Opinion on Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie

This upside-down tomato-beef pie recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and a fluffy biscuit crust creates a comforting and satisfying meal. The use of tomato soup and paste adds a rich and savory depth of flavor to the filling. The recipe's simplicity and versatility make it a great option for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The wine recommendation adds a touch of elegance to the overall dining experience. Overall, this recipe is a winner in terms of taste, presentation, and ease of preparation.

Enhance Your Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and butter, perfect for pairing with the savory tomato-beef pie.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, adding a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender honey glazed carrots, providing a touch of sweetness to balance out the rich and savory flavors of the tomato-beef pie.

Similar Recipes to Try

Savory Beef and Vegetable Stew: This hearty stew is packed with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and peas in a rich and flavorful broth.

Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken: Enjoy juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy parmesan and breadcrumb crust, baked to golden perfection.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: A refreshing and colorful mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing, perfect for a light and healthy dessert or side dish.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Recipe

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and bake until golden and bubbly. These stuffed mushrooms are sure to impress your guests with their rich and flavorful filling.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters for a light and refreshing appetizer. Grate zucchini and mix with herbs, garlic, and a touch of parmesan cheese. Form into patties and pan-fry until golden and crispy. Serve with a dollop of tangy yogurt sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a decadent, silky smooth chocolate mousse that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The rich, velvety texture of this dessert is the perfect way to end a meal.

Apple Crisp: Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp. The combination of tender, spiced apples and a crispy, buttery topping is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie Recipe:

This recipe is a guaranteed hit for any beef lover. The combination of tomato soup and hot paprika creates a rich and flavorful filling, while the celery and onion add a delightful crunch. The savory ground beef is perfectly complemented by the fluffy biscuit topping, made with all-purpose flour and vegetable shortening. Trust the rave reviews from our community of home cooks who have tried and loved this upside-down pie. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Want to share your experience making this Upside-Down Tomato-Beef Pie or discuss variations on the recipe? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

What is the best way to reheat the upside-down tomato-beef pie?

The best way to reheat the upside-down tomato-beef pie is to place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is heated through. This will help to maintain the crispness of the crust and ensure the filling is thoroughly heated.

Can I freeze the upside-down tomato-beef pie?

Yes, you can freeze the upside-down tomato-beef pie. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven.

Can I substitute the vegetable shortening in the crust with butter?

Yes, you can substitute the vegetable shortening with an equal amount of cold, unsalted butter. The crust will have a slightly different flavor and texture, but it will still be delicious.

What can I serve with the upside-down tomato-beef pie?

The upside-down tomato-beef pie pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a side of steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or a crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato-beef filling.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just ensure that the ground turkey is fully cooked through before adding the other ingredients, as the cooking time may vary slightly.