Beef Pizza Pie

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow it to be fully heated by the time you’re ready to bake the pie, ensuring the crust turns golden and crispy.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This will take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well, then add the pizza sauce to the beef mixture. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Prepare the Pie Crust

While the beef mixture is simmering, roll out your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought dough, it should be ready to go; just follow the package instructions. Roll the dough into a large circle, roughly the size of your pie dish (about 12 inches).

If you’re using a pie dish (9-inch or larger), lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. Then, fit the pizza dough into the dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough around the edges.

4. Assemble the Beef Pizza Pie

Once the beef mixture has thickened and cooled slightly, spoon it into the prepared crust. Spread it evenly across the bottom. If you’re using pepperoni, scatter it on top of the beef mixture.

Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the beef mixture. If you like a little extra cheese, you can also add cheddar or any other cheese you prefer.

5. Top with the Dough

Now, take the remaining portion of your pizza dough (if there’s extra) and roll it out into another circle to cover the top of the pie. Place the dough over the filling, pinching the edges of the top and bottom dough together to seal the pie. You can also fold the edges over to create a decorative crust.

Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top of the dough to allow steam to escape while baking.

6. Add the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush this egg wash over the top of the pie crust for a shiny, golden finish.

7. Bake the Beef Pizza Pie

Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with foil and continue baking until the pie is fully cooked.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for a burst of color and freshness.

Slice and serve warm. This Beef Pizza Pie is perfect on its own, or served with a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Why This Beef Pizza Pie is So Great

1. Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef, cheese, and pizza sauce makes this pie incredibly satisfying. It’s a complete meal in one dish, with plenty of protein and flavor to keep you full.
2. Versatile: You can customize the pie to suit your preferences. Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, green peppers, olives, or even sausage. You can also make it vegetarian by swapping the beef for vegetarian crumbles or extra veggies.
3. Family-Friendly: This Beef Pizza Pie is a great dish for kids and adults alike. Its familiar pizza flavors are sure to please picky eaters, and the comforting pie format makes it a hit for family dinners or gatherings.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily make this pie ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. It reheats beautifully and makes a great leftover meal for busy days.
5. Impressive Yet Easy: While it might look fancy, this dish is relatively easy to put together. It’s a great way to impress guests at a casual dinner party or family gathering without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfecting Your Beef Pizza Pie

1. Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you want an extra crispy crust, try making this dish in a cast iron skillet. It will help the bottom of the pie get extra crispy while keeping everything inside nice and juicy.
2. Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or even provolone. The more cheese, the better!
3. Customize Your Toppings: Beef Pizza Pie is perfect for experimenting with toppings. Add some sautéed mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, or onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
4. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling and pizza dough ahead of time. Assemble the pie and bake it just before serving for a quicker meal.

Conclusion

Beef Pizza Pie is a delicious, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that combines the best of both pizza and savory pie. With its hearty beef filling, melted cheese, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a fun gathering with friends.

Best of all, it’s completely customizable to suit your tastes, and the recipe is simple enough for even novice cooks to master. So why not skip the traditional pizza and try this creative twist next time? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!