Hearty Beef And Cheese Crescent Pie
A hearty and cheesy crescent pie combining savory beef, beans, and vegetables with melted cheese, perfect for satisfying family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seed (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- Paprika for garnish (optional) ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion or 4 teaspoons instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 (8 oz.) can crescent rolls ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large frypan, brown ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper; drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, drained green beans, cumin seed (if desired), garlic salt, and salt; simmer while preparing the crust.
- Unroll crescent roll dough and press into a greased 9-inch pie or baking dish, sealing the edges.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Optional: sprinkle paprika on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for the beef. You can also experiment with different cheeses; Pepper Jack adds a nice kick. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ground beef can be a quick alternative. Remember to seal the crescent roll edges well to prevent leakage during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, serve with a side of mashed potatoes. Consider complementing it with a tangy dipping sauce or a dollop of sour cream. It makes for a great weeknight dinner or a potluck centerpiece.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Enjoy it as a quick meal like Mom'S Chili Mac the next day!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Beef And Cheese Crescent Pie contains roughly 535 calories, with 26g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (72% of the Daily Value), and protein (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1395mg per serving (61% 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 use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well. Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure the meat is fully cooked. If you’re looking for a beef alternative, try combining ground beef with some cooked lentils for a nutritious twist.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, incorporate chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture. You might also try using Pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack or Cheddar for an extra spicy flavor kick. Adjust seasonings to your liking for the perfect spice level.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the pie a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).