If you love pizza but want something with a hearty twist, this Beef Pizza Pie will hit the spot! It combines the savory flavor of ground beef with traditional pizza toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and bell peppers, all baked into a flaky crescent roll crust. Perfect for family dinners or weekend treats, this dish offers the best of both worlds—a pizza and a pie in one.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to prepare a delicious Beef Pizza Pie, explore its origins, offer helpful variations, and suggest perfect pairings for your meal.
Overview of the Recipe
This Beef Pizza Pie recipe is an exciting fusion between a traditional meat pie and pizza. It starts with a crescent roll crust, filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey mozzarella cheese, and pizza toppings like pepperoni, black olives, and bell peppers. The dish is baked to perfection, with the flaky crust complementing the juicy beef mixture and melted cheese. Quick to prepare, this recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
History and Origin
The concept of combining pizzas and pies originated from the love for deep-dish pizza in American cuisine, especially in Chicago. Pizza pies offer a thicker crust and allow for more layered fillings than regular flat pizzas. Though this recipe doesn’t require a deep-dish pan, it draws inspiration from the idea of building a dish with several tasty layers. Adding beef to pizza toppings is also popular in various global versions, where meat lovers look for heartier meals with Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this savory and filling pizza pie:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready by the time your dish is prepared.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 lb of ground beef and 1/2 cup of diced onions.
- Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, and the onions are soft.
- Drain any excess grease to prevent the pie from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Season the Beef Mixture
- Add 1 cup of pizza sauce to the skillet.
- Stir in 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors well.
Step 4: Prepare the Crust
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and place it into a 9-inch greased pie pan.
- Press the dough gently into the bottom and sides of the pan to form an even crust.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Pie Layers
- Start with a layer of half the mozzarella cheese (3/4 cup) on the dough.
- Add the prepared beef mixture on top of the cheese layer.
- Spread sliced pepperoni, black olives, and chopped bell peppers evenly over the beef.
- Finish by adding the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza Pie
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Look for a golden crust and bubbly, melted cheese to know it’s ready.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
- Allow the pie to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut neat slices.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Pizza Pie serves 8 portions. It works great as a main dish for lunch or dinner, but you can also slice it into smaller portions for appetizers. Serve it warm for the best experience.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Pair this Beef Pizza Pie with:
- Garlic breadsticks or cheesy bread
- A side Caesar salad or mixed greens
- Iced tea or lemonade to complement the savory flavors
- Marinara dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor
For a cozy winter meal, this pizza pie also pairs well with a tomato soup or vegetable minestrone.
Variations of the Recipe
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms.
- Chicken Version: Swap the ground beef with ground chicken for a lighter option.
- Cheese Lovers: Add a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, or parmesan, for more cheesy goodness.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for some heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Use a cauliflower crust or keto-friendly dough instead of crescent rolls.
Health Benefits Notes
- High Protein Content: The beef and mozzarella provide ample protein, making this dish filling and great for energy.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers and black olives add essential vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Moderate Carb Intake: Crescent rolls contribute carbs, but it’s still balanced with protein and fats.
- Customizable for Dietary Needs: You can easily swap ingredients to meet dietary preferences, such as using low-fat cheese or gluten-free dough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the Beef Pizza Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the pie ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and bake it when ready. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Slice the pizza pie and store the pieces in airtight containers. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven for the best results.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works as a lighter alternative. You may need to adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor since turkey is milder.
4. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Ensure that you drain excess grease from the cooked beef and pre-bake the crescent roll dough for 5 minutes before adding the layers.
5. What can I substitute for crescent roll dough?
You can use pizza dough, puff pastry, or even biscuit dough if you prefer a different crust texture.
Conclusion
Beef Pizza Pie is a delicious and versatile dish that offers a fun take on traditional pizza. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy families, and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether served as a hearty dinner or sliced into smaller portions for a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to please. With its flaky crust, savory beef, melted cheese, and classic toppings, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!