**Instructions**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare Crust:** Press the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. You can crimp the edges decoratively or leave them plain.
3. **Mix Filling:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined and smooth.
4. **Add Pecans:** Stir in the pecan halves, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
5. **Pour into Crust:** Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared pie crust. Spread it out evenly.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean (though it may have some sticky pecan remnants).
7. **Cool:** Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set fully.
**Short Tips**
* For an extra nutty flavor, lightly toast your pecans before adding them to the filling.
* If your pie crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil during baking.
* This pie can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
* Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
