Cheeseburger Pie

While I was putting this Cheeseburger Pie together I was very skeptical of how it would turn out. It looks like it's just a pie crust filled with hamburger and it seemed as though it would be heavy and blah. Well, I was completely wrong! The egg oozes down from the cheese topping, settling on the bottom, creating an unexpected richness. The oregano is a surprise flavor that works nicely with the hamburger, onions and green peppers. In general, it's a great dish and one my husband declared should be added to the recipe box.
I actually prepared most of this dish during nap time. I did wait to assemble it until just before baking because I wasn't sure if the crust would get too soggy if I let it sit for a few hours. Even if you were to do all the prep work right before baking it doesn't take long to put Cheeseburger Pie together.

Cheeseburger Pie
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Source: St. Paul's Cookbook, Fairmont, MN
Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients:
1 pie crust (I like to use this one)
Filling
1 lb hamburger
1/4 c chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Cheese Topping
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp mustard
2 cups shredded cheese

Directions:
   1.  Bake pie crust at 425 for 8 minutes.
   2.  While pie crust is baking, brown hamburger, onions and green pepper; drain grease as necessary. Add bread crumbs and seasonings; pour into baked pie crust.
   3.  In a small bowl, beat eggs and milk; stir in cheese and seasonings. Pour over meat.
   4.  Bake at 425 for 30 minutes.

Cheesy Salsa Meatloaf

This is definitely a winner! My husband and I were talking about this recipe before we had tasted it and he was commenting how so often meatloaves are dry and require a sauce on top to balance it out. Well, that is not the case here. This is such a wonderfully moist meatloaf that there is no need for a sauce.
My theory is two things are working together to create this delightful taste: the salsa and cheese mixed in and the fact that they're muffin size and therefore don't need to bake as long. Whatever it is, it works!
The one downfall to this recipe is the pan was a little disgusting to wash even though I had greased it well. Even so, this will make a frequent appearance in our house.

Cheesy Salsa Meatloaf
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Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1 egg
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup salsa
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Directions:
   1.  Preheat oven to 375.
   2.  Mix ground beef, onions, egg, bread crumbs, salsa and 1 cup cheese.
   3.  Grease 12 muffin cups. Divide meat mixture evenly between muffin cups pressing to compact.
   4.  Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until done. Top with remaining cheese.

Source: Kraft Foods