Description
Hearty beef pizza pie brings Italian-American comfort straight to dinner tables with delightful layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and flaky crust. Savory flavors and simple ingredients make this crowd-pleasing dish a quick weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) pizza sauce
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the foundation by unrolling the refrigerated pie crust into a pie dish, carefully piercing the bottom with a fork to prevent unwanted air pockets. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal baking conditions.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, ensuring complete cooking while eliminating excess grease through proper draining.
- Enhance the meat’s flavor profile by incorporating pizza sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, developing rich, intense flavors.
- Create a harmonious layer by evenly distributing the seasoned beef mixture across the prepared pie crust, maintaining a consistent depth for balanced taste.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the meat, creating a melty, appetizing topping. Optional embellishments like diced bell peppers or sliced olives can be added for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Transfer the assembled pie to the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the crust transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece and the cheese becomes perfectly melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pizza pie to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and making slicing more manageable. Serve warm for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by using homemade pizza sauce for a richer, more authentic taste profile.
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excessive grease and create a healthier version of the dish.
- Customize toppings with vegetarian alternatives like plant-based ground meat or additional vegetables for dietary flexibility.
- Prevent soggy crust by pre-baking the pie shell for 5-7 minutes before adding meat mixture, ensuring a crisp foundation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg