Simple Hearty Hillbilly Pie Recipe: A Rustic Comfort Classic

Southern kitchens burst with comfort food magic, and this hillbilly pie recipe holds a special place in rustic culinary traditions.

Generations of home cooks have perfected their unique twist on this hearty hillbilly pie passed down through countless family gatherings.

Layers of savory ingredients blend together in a warm, flaky crust that promises pure satisfaction.

Rich ground beef, tender vegetables, and a secret blend of spices create a mouthwatering filling that warms you from the inside out.

Each bite tells a story of southern hospitality and home-cooked goodness.

Simple ingredients transform into a delectable meal that connects you with time-honored cooking techniques.

You’ll want to share this comforting dish with everyone around your table.

Sweet Additions to Try in the Filling

• Use cold butter pieces to create tiny pockets of richness throughout the pie filling, ensuring a more flavorful and tender result.
• Let the pie rest for a full hour after baking to allow the filling to set completely, preventing a runny consistency when slicing.
• Replace milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that maintains the pie's creamy texture and sweet profile.
• Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for an extra layer of warmth and depth that complements the simple ingredients.
• This pie can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining or quick dessert options.

How to Serve Warm Pie With Ice Cream

• Sweet Cream Topping: Dollop freshly whipped cream on each slice for a luxurious, silky finish that complements the pie's rich, creamy texture.
• Cinnamon Sprinkle: Dust ground cinnamon over the top before serving to add a warm, aromatic touch that enhances the pie's subtle sweetness.
• Seasonal Berry Garnish: Arrange fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries around the pie plate to create a vibrant, colorful presentation that adds a bright, tangy contrast.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Drizzle warm caramel sauce in elegant zigzag patterns across each slice, creating a decadent layer of indulgence that elevates the classic dessert.

Saving Pie for Midnight Snacks Later

• Store your Hillbilly Pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping the delicate texture and sweet flavor intact.
• Slice the pie into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in freezer-safe wrap, then place in a sealed container. Frozen pie will stay delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for future sweet cravings.
• If enjoying within 24 hours, you can leave the pie at room temperature. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent dust while keeping the crust crisp and filling stable.
• Prepare the pie filling a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. This technique allows flavors to meld and saves precious time on baking day, making meal planning smoother and more efficient.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 8

Hillbilly Pie Ingredient Rundown

• Pie Crust: Provides the foundation for the pie, choose a pre-made or homemade crust with a flaky texture and golden-brown potential.

• White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, caramelized texture in the pie.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling and provides structure to the pie's creamy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the pie.

• Milk: Creates the creamy, custard-like base of the pie, bringing richness and smoothness.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dessert with its classic sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a luxurious mouthfeel when dotted on top of the filling.

Tools to Bake This Classic Southern Dessert

• Pie Dish (9-inch): Essential for holding and baking the pie crust.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sugar, flour, milk, and vanilla smoothly.
• Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining filling ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Needed for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Butter Knife or Small Spoon: Helps dot butter pieces on top of the pie.

How to Assemble and Bake Poor Man’s Pie

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and nestle the pie crust into a 9-inch dish, gently pinching the edges for a homemade look.

• Whip Together the Magic Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Pour in milk and vanilla, whisking until the concoction becomes silky smooth.

• Create Your Pie Masterpiece

Lovingly pour the creamy mixture into the waiting pie crust. Dot the surface with tiny butter nuggets for extra richness.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling turns a gorgeous golden hue and feels slightly firm with just a tiny wobble in the center.

• Chill and Savor

Give your pie a chance to cool down for about an hour. Slice and serve – enjoy it warm or chilled, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, crown it with a dollop of whipped cream.

Hearty Hillbilly Pie

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hillbilly pie serves up southern comfort with rustic charm and budget-friendly ingredients. Hearty layers of simple pantry staples blend into a delightful meal that connects families around warm, nostalgic flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pie crust (unbaked, store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 3 tbsps (24 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Carefully position the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, creating decorative crimped edges along the rim.
2. Filling Creation: Whisk together dry ingredients until fully integrated, then gradually incorporate milk and vanilla extract, stirring continuously to achieve a silky, uniform consistency without lumps.
3. Pie Assembly: Transfer the liquid mixture into the unbaked pie shell, ensuring even distribution. Strategically scatter small butter fragments across the surface to enhance richness and flavor profile.
4. Baking Process: Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Monitor for a golden-brown surface and a slightly wobbly center, which will naturally firm up during the cooling phase.
5. Serving Preparation: Allow the pie to rest and stabilize for minimum one hour after removing from the oven. Slice and serve at preferred temperature – either gently warmed or chilled, optionally garnished with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Scatter small butter pieces evenly across the pie’s surface to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout the filling.
• Watch the pie closely during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, as the delicate custard can burn quickly.
• Allow the pie to rest completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Substitute lactose-free milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg