Layered Italian Beef Pie(6 To 8 Servings)
A savory layered pie combining seasoned ground beef, spinach, and melted cheese in a crispy crust, perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Bake pie crust for 9 to 11 minutes or until lightly browned; cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Add spaghetti sauce to the beef and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and mix in Parmesan cheese and spinach.
- Spread half of the meat mixture into the pie crust. Sprinkle with half of the shredded Mozzarella.
- Spoon the spinach mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining meat mixture and sprinkle with the rest of the Mozzarella.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, use store-bought spinach or even frozen chopped spinach, which can be thawed and drained. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. This pie is reminiscent of Jeff's Favorite Lasagna, making it a great choice for fans of Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This layered Italian beef pie is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, consider serving with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It also works well alongside dishes like Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the pie with foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Italian Beef Pie(6 To 8 Servings) contains roughly 829 calories, with 27g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 745mg per serving (32% 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 pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Assemble it, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through properly.
Can I freeze the layered Italian beef pie?
Absolutely! Assemble the pie and freeze it unbaked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 1 hour, or until the center is hot and the cheese is bubbly.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Each will yield a different flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorite proteins.
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).