Hearty Beef Pizza Pie Recipe

Rustic Hearty Beef Pizza Pie Recipe: A Cozy Homemade Delight

Bubbling with flavor and comfort, this beef pizza pie brings a delightful twist to traditional pizza night.

Layers of rich, seasoned ground beef create a mouthwatering canvas in this hearty pizza pie recipe that promises pure culinary excitement.

Melted cheese blankets the savory meat, creating a symphony of textures and tastes you’ll crave.

The golden, crispy crust provides the perfect foundation for this delectable meal.

Each slice delivers a robust blend of Italian-inspired ingredients that dance across your palate.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor every single bite of this irresistible dish.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece that guarantees smiles and empty plates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

What You Need for Beef Pizza Pie

For Crust:
  • Pie Crust: Buttery and flaky base that holds the delicious beef pizza filling, choose a pre-made refrigerated crust for convenience or make your own for a personal touch.
For Beef Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein that forms the core of the pizza pie, select lean beef for a healthier option with maximum flavor.
  • Onion: Adds sweet and savory depth to the meat mixture, opt for yellow onions for a classic taste.
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity and robust flavor, fresh garlic cloves deliver the most vibrant taste.
  • Pizza Sauce: Tangy tomato base that ties all ingredients together, choose a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that infuse authentic pizza flavor, look for a mix containing oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild spiciness and depth, freshly ground provides superior taste.
For Topping:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that classic stretchy pizza texture, choose fresh for optimal melting.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp flavor and golden color, select aged variety for more intensity.
  • Dried Oregano: Sprinkled finish that boosts herbal notes, use sparingly for elegant touch.
  • Optional Toppings (Pepperoni, Olives, Vegetables): Customize pie with personal favorite pizza additions.

Tools to Build a Beef Pizza Pie

  • Pie Dish (9-inch): Essential for shaping and baking the pizza pie.
  • Skillet: Perfect for browning beef and cooking the filling mixture.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps roll out the pie crust smoothly and evenly.
  • Cutting Board: Great surface for preparing ingredients and rolling dough.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful if you're grating fresh mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
  • Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping onions and preparing any additional toppings.
  • Spatula: Helpful for spreading beef mixture and transferring pie to serving plate.

Instructions for Making Beef Pizza Pie

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to sizzling hot at 375F. Grab a pie dish and give it a quick olive oil massage to prevent sticking.

  • Craft the Base

Gently spread your pie crust into the dish, tucking it smoothly around the edges. Trim any wild dough hanging over the sides.

  • Brown the Meaty Magic

Toss ground beef and diced onions into a hot skillet. Let them dance and sizzle until the beef turns a deep, delicious brown. Drain any extra grease.

  • Sauce It Up

Pour in pizza sauce and sprinkle in herbs and spices. Let the mixture simmer and bubble, creating a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds sing.

  • Build Your Flavor Tower

Spread the spiced beef mixture into your prepared crust. Shower generously with cheese, creating a molten landscape of deliciousness.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide your creation into the oven. Watch as cheese melts and crust turns golden, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece, let it rest briefly, then slice and serve. Each bite promises a carnival of flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ideas to Upgrade Your Beef Pizza Pie

  • Pizza Pie Perfection: Mix up your cheese blend with a combination of provolone, parmesan, and mozzarella for extra flavor depth.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the beef mixture and pie crust a day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pie crust with a cauliflower or almond flour crust to create a low-carb, gluten-free version of this hearty dish.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or chopped mushrooms to create a meat-free pizza pie that's packed with protein and flavor.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – use a pinch for mild or increase for a spicier kick that'll wake up your taste buds.

Serving the Beef Pizza Pie Fresh

  • Pizza Party Platter: Create a fun spread with sliced pizza pie, crisp green salad, and garlic breadsticks for a complete meal that feels like a casual gathering.
  • Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Top each slice with fresh basil, chopped parsley, or green onions to add bright flavor and a pop of color that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve alongside ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or spicy aioli for guests who love extra sauce and want to customize their pizza pie experience.
  • Side Kick Salad: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy beef pizza pie and add a refreshing contrast to the meal.

Keep Beef Pizza Pie Fresh for Later

  • Smart Fridge Storage: Keep leftover beef pizza pie in an airtight container, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Quick Freezer Trick: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen portions stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat Like a Pro: Restore crispy crust by warming slices in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but might soften the crust slightly. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese for extra flavor.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the beef mixture and pie crust a day ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking. This strategy saves time and maintains maximum freshness for busy weeknight dinners.
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Hearty Beef Pizza Pie Recipe

Hearty Beef Pizza Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Hearty beef pizza pie brings Italian-American comfort to your dinner table. Savory ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy crust combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pan)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (for garnish)
  • ¼ cup pepperoni slices, diced (optional)
  • ¼ cup sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly oil a 9-inch pie dish to ensure effortless release.
  2. Crust Positioning: Carefully lay pie crust into the dish, trimming edges and creating an elegant crimped border for a polished presentation.
  3. Meat Transformation: Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat until beef browns thoroughly and onions become translucent, developing rich, deep flavors.
  4. Flavor Infusion: Introduce garlic, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture, simmering to marry and intensify the robust taste profile.
  5. Layering Foundation: Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the pie crust, creating a hearty base for the pizza pie.
  6. Cheese and Topping Artistry: Blanket the meat with a generous layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then embellish with optional pepperoni, olives, or vegetables to personalize the dish.
  7. Baking Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling landscape and the crust achieves a delicate, bronzed finish.
  8. Serving Finale: Allow the pie to rest momentarily, garnish with dried oregano, then slice and serve this rustic culinary masterpiece.

Notes

  • Customize Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor, or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
  • Perfect Cheese Distribution: Grate cheese freshly at home for superior melting quality and avoid pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents preventing smooth melting.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Partially pre-bake pie crust for 5-7 minutes before adding meat filling to create a crispy base that resists moisture from sauce and meat juices.
  • Balance Seasoning Intensity: Adjust red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning according to personal spice tolerance, starting with smaller quantities and incrementally increasing for desired heat level.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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