Beef Pizza Pie is a savory, cheesy delight that combines the classic flavors of a pizza with a comforting pie crust. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the rich flavors of pizza and a hearty beef filling.
- Perfectly crispy crust with gooey melted cheese.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Family-friendly and ideal for both kids and adults.
- Great for leftovers and easy to reheat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Pre-made or homemade pie crust
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or other pizza toppings
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Roll out the pie crust and place it into a pie dish. Trim any excess crust from the edges.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously on top of the beef mixture. Add any additional toppings if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 slices
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Cheese Blend: Combine mozzarella with cheddar or Parmesan for added flavor.
- Thin Crust: Use a thinner pie crust for a crispier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Beef Pizza Pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Yes, homemade pie crust works wonderfully and adds a personal touch to the dish.
2. What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?
Use lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease, or drain the fat after cooking.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pie and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving.
4. Can I use a gluten-free crust?
Yes, gluten-free pie crusts are a great alternative and can be found at most grocery stores.
5. What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar, provolone, or even a mix of Italian cheeses work well.
6. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use a whole-grain or low-carb crust, reduce the cheese, and add more vegetables.
7. Can I make this without a crust?
Yes, turn it into a crustless pizza pie by baking the filling in a casserole dish.
8. How long does it take to cool before serving?
Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier and to avoid burns.
9. Can I add marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, marinara sauce can be used for a richer flavor.
10. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the pizza flavors and cheesy topping.
Conclusion
Beef Pizza Pie is a delightful fusion of pizza and pie, offering a savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re customizing it with your favorite toppings or enjoying it as-is, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and discover a new go-to dish!
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Beef Pizza Pie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Beef Pizza Pie is a fun and hearty twist on classic pizza! Made with a flaky crust, seasoned ground beef, rich pizza sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pan)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with olive oil.
- Prepare the Crust:
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into the prepared pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the garlic, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the beef mixture into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Add any optional toppings like pepperoni, olives, or veggies.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with dried oregano before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a crescent roll dough or biscuit dough as a substitute for pie crust if desired.
- For a low-carb version, skip the crust and bake the filling in a greased casserole dish.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.