Beef Pizza Pie

If you’re craving a delicious, hearty meal that combines the best of both worlds — a savory pizza and a satisfying pie — then the Beef Pizza Pie is exactly what you need. With its savory ground beef filling, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a variety of tasty toppings like pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers, this dish is sure to please the whole family. Plus, it’s easy to make using refrigerated crescent roll dough, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or casual gathering snack.

This comforting meal takes the traditional pizza flavors and elevates them into a fun, handheld pie form. It’s like a pizza pocket, but bigger and better! The combination of tender ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a crispy crescent dough crust is simply irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a comforting treat, the Beef Pizza Pie is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A Twist on Classic Pizza

Instead of the usual pizza crust, the crescent roll dough adds a buttery, flaky texture that complements the savory pizza filling.

2. Packed with Flavor

With Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pizza sauce, this pie is bursting with classic pizza flavors. Add pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe is super simple to put together, with minimal ingredients and quick prep. Using refrigerated crescent roll dough saves you time on making the crust from scratch.

4. Customizable Toppings

Feel free to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings to make this pie your own. Whether you prefer mushrooms, sausage, or extra cheese, you can easily personalize it.

5. Great for Meal Prep

You can make this Beef Pizza Pie ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Diced onion
• Pizza sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sliced pepperoni
• Sliced black olives
• Chopped bell peppers

Variations

While the Beef Pizza Pie is already packed with all the classic pizza toppings, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy Beef Pizza Pie: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or top the pie with jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or extra bell peppers for a meatless option.
• Extra Cheese: Add a layer of ricotta cheese or more mozzarella to make it even cheesier.
• BBQ Beef: Swap the pizza sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet twist on the traditional flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan or baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat and stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the prepared pie pan, covering the bottom and up the sides to form a crust. Pinch the seams together to seal.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Pie

Spoon the cooked beef mixture into the center of the crescent dough, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, black olives, and chopped bell peppers.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza Pie

Carefully fold the edges of the crescent dough over the filling, leaving the top open. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Beef Pizza Pie!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier option, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
• Make it a Family Meal: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. You can double the recipe and use a larger baking dish to serve more people.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to load the pie with extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Check the Crust: Make sure to bake the crust until golden brown to ensure it’s crisp and fully cooked.
• Serve with a Salad: A fresh green salad is a great side dish to balance out the richness of the pizza pie.

How to Serve

The Beef Pizza Pie is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a fresh salad to add some crispness. For extra flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or fresh basil on top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Beef Pizza Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

To freeze the pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough, but crescent roll dough gives a flakier, buttery crust.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or extra bell peppers for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use cheddar cheese or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a different flavor.

5. Can I add more toppings?

Feel free to add any of your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, sausage, or bacon.

6. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain any excess grease from the ground beef mixture before assembling the pie to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

8. Can I use pepperoni that’s already cooked?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked pepperoni, but adding it fresh will give a better texture and flavor.

9. Can I substitute the pizza sauce?

You can use marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, or even Alfredo sauce for a different twist on the recipe.

10. How do I know when the crust is done?

The crust should be golden brown and crisp on the edges when it’s finished baking.

Conclusion

The Beef Pizza Pie is a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With its hearty ground beef filling, melty cheese, and classic pizza toppings, this dish offers all the flavors you love in a convenient, easy-to-make pie. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering, this Beef Pizza Pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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