There's nothing quite like the hearty, comforting flavors of Italian Beef and Sausage Pie filling your kitchen with its enticing aroma. This dish is a delightful combination of savory beef, zesty Italian sausage, and a flaky golden crust, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
The first time I made this pie, I was searching for something unique to bring to a potluck, and it quickly became the star of the table. Now, itโs my go-to recipe for cozy family dinners or whenever I want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Why You'll Love This Italian Beef and Sausage Pie
Get ready to fall in love with this rich and satisfying dish. The Italian Beef and Sausage Pie combines everything you adore about Italian comfort food into one irresistible creation.
First off, itโs packed with bold flavors. The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a blend of Italian herbs creates a filling thatโs perfectly seasoned and utterly delicious.
Itโs surprisingly easy to make. While the pie looks impressive with its golden crust and hearty filling, the preparation is straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or even a different protein, making it a great way to clean out your fridge.
Best of all, itโs a complete meal in one dish. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread, and dinner is served!
Ingredients Notes
The magic of Italian Beef and Sausage Pie lies in its combination of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Hereโs a closer look at what youโll need:
- Ground Beef: This forms the base of the filling, providing hearty and savory goodness. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Italian Sausage: Adds a spicy, zesty kick to the filling. You can choose mild or hot sausage based on your spice preference.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building depth of flavor. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic for even cooking.
- Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: These create the rich, tomato-based filling. The paste adds concentrated flavor, while the tomatoes give it the perfect saucy consistency.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary infuses every bite with classic Italian flavors.
- Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are my go-to cheeses for this recipe. Mozzarella adds melty richness, and Parmesan provides a salty, nutty note.
- Pie Crust: A store-bought crust works perfectly, but feel free to make your own for an extra touch of homemade goodness.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the crust with beaten egg gives it a beautiful golden sheen as it bakes.
Special Equipment:
A 9-inch pie dish is ideal for this recipe, along with a sturdy skillet for preparing the filling.
How To Make This Italian Beef and Sausage Pie
Creating this pie is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps, and youโll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish in no time.
Start by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). While the oven heats, prepare your filling. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a wooden spoon as they cook. Once browned, remove the meat from the skillet and drain excess fat.
Next, sautรฉ your onion in the same skillet until itโs soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for a minute to deepen its flavor, then add the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Return the cooked meat to the skillet and stir to combine everything. Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool slightly before assembling the pie.
To assemble, roll out your pie crust and fit it into your pie dish. Spoon the meat mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Place the second pie crust on top, crimping the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Brush the top with an egg wash for that perfect golden finish, then bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is beautifully browned and crisp. Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Storage Options
This pie stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: To freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
The Italian Beef and Sausage Pie is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a mix of diced vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Add cooked lentils for extra protein.
- Cheese Swap: Try provolone or a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Spice Level: Amp up the heat with crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for extra spice.
- Crust Alternatives: For a lighter option, use phyllo dough or omit the top crust entirely.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Experimenting with flavors and ingredients is part of the fun. Donโt be afraid to get creative!
This Italian Beef and Sausage Pie is a true comfort food classic thatโs sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether youโre making it for a special occasion or just because, every slice delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Try it tonight and savor the deliciousness!
PrintItalian Beef And Sausage Pie Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate Italian Beef and Sausage Pie recipe! Made with seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, and flavorful spices, this hearty dish is baked to perfection in a flaky crust. Itโs an irresistible dinner idea that will delight your family and guests alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ยฝ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Let cool slightly.
- Roll out one pie crust and place it into a pie dish. Fill with the meat mixture.
- Cover with the second pie crust, sealing the edges and cutting slits on top to release steam.
- Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Swap marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamier variation.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820mg
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