Italian Herb Pie
A hearty Italian-inspired meat pie featuring seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shape ground beef into a patty in a large frying pan.
- Brown the patty in butter for 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove the beef and place in a bowl; break into chunks.
- Saute onions in the same pan until soft.
- Chop tomatoes with juice and add to the pan, then add tomato sauce.
- Blend in the flour, Parmesan cheese, basil, sugar, salt, garlic salt, oregano, and pepper.
- Heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Stir in the ground beef chunks and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also use crushed tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for a smoother sauce. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top before serving, reminiscent of Italian recipes like Lasagne With Uncooked Noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Herb Pie with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the beef and cheese. For a hearty meal, pair it with Italian Pasta And Beef or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Herb Pie contains roughly 548 calories, with 21g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (274% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1903mg per serving (83% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and assemble the pie. This will enhance the flavors and save you time on busy days.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as alternatives. Both will provide a similar nutty flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be sprinkled in for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Can I freeze Italian Herb Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dish either before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through. This is a great way to enjoy this dish at a later time.
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).