Carnival Pie
Carnival Pie is a hearty, savory dish combining Italian sausage, ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses, perfect for a festive family meal or special gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare pastry mix and line a large (12-inch round) pie pan with it.
- Cut Italian sausage and ground beef into small pieces.
- Brown the sausage and ground beef in a skillet.
- Mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, eggs, chopped prosciutto, chopped parsley, sugar, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread the meat mixture over the prepared pastry in the pie pan.
- Cover with the second crust if using, seal edges, and cut slits on top for steam.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the meat mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage for the Italian sausage. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as adding ricotta to the filling for a creamier texture, similar to what you'd find in Lasagna With Raw Noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Carnival Pie is delicious on its own but pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside a hearty soup, like Pasta And Bean Soup, to round out the flavors. For a festive touch, garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Carnival Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carnival Pie contains roughly 980 calories, with 35g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1246mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Carnival Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze Carnival Pie?
Absolutely! After baking, allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F until heated through.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese blended until smooth for a similar texture. Alternatively, a mix of cream cheese and sour cream can also work, providing a rich flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).