Introduction and Overview
What is Beef Pizza Pie?
Beef Pizza Pie is a savory, hearty dish that combines the best elements of a pizza and a pie into one delicious meal. It features a flaky or doughy crust filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all baked to perfection. This unique twist on traditional pizza is perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or anytime you want to serve something comforting and crowd-pleasing.
A Hearty and Satisfying Meal
This dish brings together the flavors of pizza—like tomato sauce, beef, and mozzarella—in a fun, pie-like form. It’s easy to customize with different toppings, and it’s filling enough to be the main course. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a gathering, Beef Pizza Pie is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
Main Ingredients
Ground Beef
Ground beef is the star of this dish, adding a hearty, meaty base that’s seasoned with Italian herbs. It’s high in protein and iron, making the dish both filling and nutritious.
Pizza Dough or Pie Crust
The crust can be made from pizza dough or a more traditional pie crust, depending on your preference. Pizza dough gives a chewy, bread-like texture, while pie crust provides a buttery, flaky option.
Pizza Sauce
A rich, tomato-based pizza sauce adds tangy sweetness and moisture to the dish. You can use store-bought sauce for convenience or make your own with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is the go-to for its creamy, melty texture, but feel free to mix in cheddar, parmesan, or any cheese of your choice for added flavor.
Toppings
Pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, or any other favorite pizza toppings can be added to customize your Beef Pizza Pie. These ingredients add extra flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Nutritional Benefits
High in Protein
Thanks to the ground beef and cheese, this dish is packed with protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle health.
Customizable for a Balanced Meal
You can make the dish more nutritious by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Whole wheat crust or low-fat cheese can also be used for a healthier version.
Preparation and Variations
Basic Recipe
Ingredients List
To make Beef Pizza Pie, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef 🥩
- ½ cup diced onion 🧅
- 1 cup pizza sauce 🍅
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- ¼ teaspoon salt 🧂
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ⚫️
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough 🥐
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni 🍖
- ½ cup sliced black olives 🫒
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers 🫑
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess fat.
3️⃣ Add Seasoning:
Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4️⃣ Prepare the Crust:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch pie dish, forming the crust.
5️⃣ Assemble the Pie:
Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the pie crust.
6️⃣ Add Toppings:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture, then add sliced pepperoni, black olives, and chopped bell peppers.
7️⃣ Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8️⃣ Serve:
Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the savory goodness!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Servings: 6
Recipe Variations
Meat Lovers Beef Pizza Pie
For a heartier version, add cooked sausage, bacon, or ham along with the ground beef. This variation is perfect for meat lovers who want an extra dose of protein.
Vegetarian Pizza Pie
Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or a medley of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
Mexican Beef Pizza Pie
Swap the pizza sauce for salsa, and add taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, and jalapeños. Top with cheddar cheese and serve with sour cream and guacamole for a fun Mexican twist.
Low-Carb Beef Pizza Pie
For a lower-carb option, use a cauliflower crust instead of pizza dough or pie crust. This variation is great for those looking to reduce their carb intake while still enjoying a pizza-inspired dish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving Suggestions
With a Fresh Salad
Serve the Beef Pizza Pie alongside a fresh green salad with Italian dressing for a balanced meal. The light, crisp salad contrasts nicely with the richness of the pizza pie.
With Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic pairing for pizza and works well with this pie version too. The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and cheese.
As Party Food
Cut the Beef Pizza Pie into smaller slices or squares and serve it as finger food for parties or game-day gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to eat on the go.
Pairing Ideas
With Red Wine
A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with the flavors of beef, tomato sauce, and cheese in this dish.
With Beer
A light, crisp lager or pale ale complements the hearty beef and savory cheese, making it a great option for casual meals or parties.
With Iced Tea or Lemonade
For a non-alcoholic option, serve the Beef Pizza Pie with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. The refreshing, sweet-tart drinks balance the richness of the pie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Beef Pizza Pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and bake when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Beef Pizza Pie?
Yes! To freeze, bake the pie as directed, then let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What if I don’t have pizza dough?
If you don’t have pizza dough, you can use a pre-made pie crust, crescent roll dough, or even biscuit dough as a substitute.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for different flavors.
How can I make the crust crispier?
To make the crust crispier, pre-bake the dough for about 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings. This helps create a firmer base and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Conclusion
Beef Pizza Pie is the perfect fusion of pizza and pie, offering a comforting, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a pizza twist, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a slice of savory goodness!