For the Filling:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
For the Topping:
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8-count)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Substitutions & Swaps:
No ground beef? Use ground turkey or ground chicken.
No cream of mushroom? Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
No biscuits? Use puff pastry or make your own drop biscuits.
Add vegetables: Mushrooms, corn, or green beans work well.
Step-by-Step – A Taste of History
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9x9 or 2-quart baking dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and frozen peas and carrots (if using). Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Arrange the biscuits over the top of the filling. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the biscuits.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the pie rest for 5 minutes before serving. Scoop portions onto plates, making sure each serving gets a biscuit.
Fun Variations (Once You've Mastered the Original)
Cheesy Dinner Pie – Add 1 cup shredded cheddar to the filling. Sprinkle extra on top.
Mushroom Lover's Pie РSaut̩ 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the beef.
Spicy Dinner Pie – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes and use pepper jack cheese.
Turkey Dinner Pie – Substitute ground turkey for beef. Add ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning.
Vegetarian Dinner Pie – Use plant-based ground "meat" and cream of mushroom soup.
What to Serve with Dinner Pie
Simple green salad – With a lemony vinaigrette
Steamed green beans – Adds color and freshness
Roasted broccoli – For a healthy crunch
A Bite of History
Jackie Kennedy was known for her impeccable taste, but she was also a practical homemaker. This recipe reflects that balance—elegant enough to serve guests, simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.
It's said that President John F. Kennedy enjoyed this dish, as did their children, Caroline and John Jr. There's something special about eating a meal that connected one of America's most famous families.
Now you can share in that tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade biscuits?
Absolutely. Use your favorite drop biscuit recipe. Bake as directed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the filling in the baking dish (without biscuits). Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the biscuits and bake as directed (add 5-10 minutes).
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Assemble without biscuits. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add biscuits and bake.
What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
Use cream of chicken or cream of celery. Or make a quick homemade version: melt 2 tbsp butter, whisk in 2 tbsp flour, then gradually whisk in 1 cup chicken broth and ½ cup milk.
A Classic Worth Making
Here's what I love most about Jackie Kennedy's Dinner Pie.
It's not fancy. It's not complicated. It's just good—the kind of good that brings people to the table, that fills the kitchen with warmth, that tastes like home.
My family asks for this dish all the time. Now yours will too.
Now I'd love to hear from you. Did you make Jackie Kennedy's Dinner Pie? Did you add cheese? Use homemade biscuits? Drop a comment below – I read every single one.
And if this recipe earns a spot at your table, please share it with a friend who loves history and comfort food. A text, a pin, a shared link. Good recipes are meant to be passed down.
Now go preheat that oven. A taste of history is waiting. 🥧✨👒
