Beef Pizza Pie Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings all the flavors of your favorite pizza into one irresistible pie, then you’ve hit the jackpot with this Beef Pizza Pie Recipe. Imagine a golden, buttery crust filled to the brim with savory ground beef, zesty pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and a colorful medley of classic toppings like pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers. It’s like a pizza party in pie form, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family meal. This Beef Pizza Pie Recipe is so wonderfully easy to make, it’ll quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering Beef Pizza Pie Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in delivering that perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant colors.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base packed with protein and flavor.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Brings that classic tangy tomato punch that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the whole dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts a subtle, savory warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice.
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough: The secret to an ultra-flaky, buttery crust.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers gooey, melty goodness that pizza lovers crave.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Offers a spicy, savory kick.
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives: Adds a touch of briny flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers: Brings a fresh crunch and vibrant hues.
How to Make Beef Pizza Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Cook your ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat – this ensures your filling stays hearty without becoming greasy. Next, stir in the pizza sauce and season everything with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for about five minutes to allow all those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Shape the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. While it warms, unroll your crescent roll dough and carefully press it into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch pie dish. This forms the buttery crust that will hold all your delicious fillings together. Taking the time to shape the dough evenly really makes the difference between a perfect pie and a clumpy one.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Now for the fun part! Spread the savory ground beef mixture evenly over your crust, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top until the filling is almost completely covered. Layer on the pepperoni slices, black olives, and chopped bell peppers – these toppings give your Beef Pizza Pie Recipe that classic pizza flavor and colorful appeal that’s impossible to resist.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your assembled pie into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on the edges. The whole kitchen will fill with enticing aromas that hint at the delicious meal to come. Once out of the oven, let your Beef Pizza Pie cool for a few minutes — this rest time will help it set for easier slicing and serving.
How to Serve Beef Pizza Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can really elevate your Beef Pizza Pie Recipe. Consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of herbal brightness that contrasts perfectly with the savory filling. A light drizzle of olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a lovely finishing touch that wakes up the palate with each bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty pie pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp sides like a simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or crunchy garlic breadsticks that soak up any leftover pizza sauce. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of chilled pasta salad can also complement the warm, cheesy flavors without overwhelming the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, you can slice your Beef Pizza Pie into wedges and serve each piece on a colorful plate with individual small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch or marinara. To add a bit of fun and variety, top each serving with different toppings or extra cheese before broiling for a minute to melt it perfectly. This dish also works wonderfully as finger food — just cut into small squares for a party platter everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Beef Pizza Pie Recipe, no worries! Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep the crust crisp and the filling flavorful for a quick, satisfying meal later on.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well, making it a perfect meal prep option. Wrap the cooled whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Beef Pizza Pie back to life, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains some crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the texture, but it works fine for a quick fix if needed.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for this Beef Pizza Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes if you want a lighter version, just adjust the seasoning as needed to keep the flavor punchy. You could also mix in some cooked sausage for extra richness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the crescent roll dough for a gluten-free pizza crust or pie crust available at most grocery stores. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Beef Pizza Pie.
Can I customize the toppings?
Definitely. One of the best parts about this Beef Pizza Pie Recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to add mushrooms, onions, jalapeños, or even swap out the olives and peppers for your favorite veggies or meats.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For an extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or swap regular pepperoni for a spicy variety. You can also add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
What type of cheese works best besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for more complexity. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well to keep that gooey texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful meal that brings the best of pizza in a comforting, easy-to-make package, the Beef Pizza Pie Recipe is an absolute winner. With its rich filling, flaky crust, and endless topping possibilities, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice of cheesy, savory happiness tonight!
Print
Beef Pizza Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Pizza Pie combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with classic pizza toppings, all nestled in a flaky crescent roll crust. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe blends savory beef, melted mozzarella, and your favorite pizza ingredients into a comforting pie that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pie Base & Toppings
- 1 package (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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pizza pie.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain any excess fat to keep the pie from being greasy.
- Season Beef: Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Crust: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch pie dish, forming the crust for the pizza pie.
- Assemble Pie: Evenly spoon the seasoned beef mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it to cover the base.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef, then layer with pepperoni slices, black olives, and chopped bell peppers for classic pizza flavors.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes after baking to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can add or substitute toppings such as mushrooms, onions, or different types of cheese to customize your pizza pie.
- Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent sogginess in the crust.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake an additional 3-5 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or replace some pepperoni with spicy sausage slices.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave for quick meals later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
