Cheesy Rice Crust Pie (No Pastry)Cheesy Rice Crust Pie (No Pastry). Picture: Author's Own

Happy Monday, fam!

Welcome to our daily food meeting and now that I’m here, we can finally start. No wasting time!

Today’s special is: Cheesy Rice Crust Pie (No Pastry).

So this morning, like always, I followed our house rule: we try something new with food every day. I was thinking about how much I love pie, but I did not want to use pastry. Then it hit me—rice! Simple, right?

I won’t lie, I was a bit nervous. I have never made anything like this before, and in this economy, we cannot just be wasting food like that. But by God’s grace, it turned out so good!

Just by looking at the picture, the pie is already calling your name.

Now let me tell you why this pie is DIFFERENT:

*It is not bread, not wraps, not pasta — totally new base
*Rice becomes slightly crispy outside, soft inside
*Sliceable like a pie (fun + neat)
*It is comfort food but still unique

With that being said fam, let me show you how to make it step by step!

How to make Cheesy Rice Crust Pie (No Pastry)

Ingredients:
Base:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup grated cheese
  • Pinch of salt & pepper

Filling:

  • ½ cup minced beef (or shredded meat)
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & black pepper

Top:

  • ½ cup grated cheese

Method:

    1. Make the rice base:
      In a bowl, mix:

      *Cooked Rice
      *Egg
      *Cheese
      *Salt & Pepper
      Press this mixture into a greased baking dish, forming a base and slightly up the sides.
    2. Pre-bake: Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes so it firms up slightly.
    3. Prepare the filling: Cook the mince in a pan until browned.
      Add:
      *Cream Cheese
      *Tomato Sauce
      *Garlic Powder
      *Salt & Pepper
      Mix until creamy and well combined.
    4. Assemble: Spread the filling over the rice base. Top with grated cheese.
    5. Bake again: Bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden.
    6. Slice & serve: Let it cool slightly, then slice like a pie.

      Extra tip:
      *Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before cutting so it holds shape perfectly

      HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?: Today’s Tasty Pick: Cheddar Mug Scramble with Atchar

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    By Asanda Mbayimbayi

    Asanda Mbayimbayi is an award-winning Lifestyle & Entertainment News Editor and Journalist celebrated for her dynamic voice in digital lifestyle, entertainment, and hard news journalism. Honoured with the Galliova People’s Hero 2025 Award for her authentic storytelling and powerful connection with audiences, she continues to redefine journalism with purpose, empathy, and impact. With an instinct for uncovering stories that resonate and a deep understanding of audience engagement, Asanda brings clarity, depth, and heart to every piece she crafts. Beyond the newsroom, she wears many hats — Researcher, Qualified Bible Teacher, Content Creator, Producer, Motivational Speaker, and Book Editor to name a few — using her creative and spiritual insight to inspire transformation through words. Whether leading editorial teams, producing meaningful content, or motivating audiences, Asanda stands as a storyteller driven by faith, purpose, and the power of narrative to connect and inspire.