Name: Beef Pizza Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef.; 1/2 cup diced onion.; 1 cup pizza sauce.; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.; 1/4 teaspoon salt.; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.; 8 oz crescent roll dough.; 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella.; 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni.; 1/2 cup sliced black olives.; 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers.

A close-up of a slice of cheesy meat and pepperoni pizza with gooey cheese stretching from the edge. | tastyblom.com

Let me share one of my favorite comfort food mashups this incredible Beef Pizza Pie that combines everything we love about pizza with the cozy feeling of a savory pie. I created this recipe one night when I couldn't decide between making pizza or a meat pie and honestly it turned out even better than I imagined. The way that flaky crescent crust wraps around seasoned beef melty cheese and all your favorite pizza toppings it's pure comfort food magic.

Why This Works

Trust me this recipe is a total game-changer. That crescent roll crust makes it so simple but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Every bite gives you that perfect pizza flavor in pie form. My kids actually cheer when they see me pulling out ingredients for this one. It's become our Friday night favorite when we want something special without ordering takeout.

The Perfect Base

Let's start with good quality ground beef I usually go for 90% lean it gives you all that flavor without being greasy. Sometimes I use ground turkey or even plant-based meat when my vegetarian sister visits. The key is getting that seasoning just right and cooking it perfectly not too dry but not wet enough to make our crust soggy.

Building Flavor

Fresh onions are my secret weapon here. When they cook down with the beef they add this amazing sweetness. I love watching them turn golden and soft it's where all that good flavor starts. Take your time with this step it makes all the difference.

Saucy Magic

Now comes the fun part adding that pizza sauce and seasonings. I mix in Italian herbs garlic powder and just enough salt and pepper. Sometimes I'll add red pepper flakes when I want a kick. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes the smell is incredible.

A slice of pepperoni pizza with melted cheese and meat toppings is placed on a speckled white plate. | tastyblom.com

Creating The Crust

Here's where those crescent rolls make life easy. I press them into my pie dish making sure to seal any gaps. The trick is greasing your dish well nobody wants stuck crust. If you get any tears just pinch them together no worries these rolls are forgiving.

Putting It Together

Layer time is my favorite part. That seasoned beef goes in first then comes the cheese I'm always generous with the mozzarella. Add your pepperoni olives and peppers however you like. In my house everyone has their favorite corner with their perfect topping combo.

Baking Time

Pop it in a 375°F oven and wait for the magic. About 20-25 minutes later you'll have this gorgeous golden crust with bubbly cheese on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes even though it's hard to wait it helps everything set up perfectly.

Time to Serve

I love serving this with a simple salad or some garlic bread on the side. Give it a few minutes to cool then slice into wedges. That first bite when the cheese pulls and stretches it's what dreams are made of. Sometimes I'll put out extra marinara for dipping.

Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to play with different meats. Italian sausage is amazing in this so is ground chicken. Each one brings its own flavor but that pizza pie comfort stays the same. Just keep the seasonings similar and you can't go wrong.

A slice of layered pizza is topped with pepperoni, gooey cheese, and seasoned ground meat, resting on a white plate. | tastyblom.com

Veggie Version

For my vegetarian friends I load this up with mushrooms zucchini and spinach. Sometimes I'll use lentils or crumbled tofu for that meaty texture. The cheese and sauce make everything taste so good even meat lovers ask for seconds.

Cheese Paradise

Sometimes I go all out with the cheese mixing mozz cheddar and a sprinkle of parmesan. Each one adds something special the sharp the melty the nutty. When it all melts together it's absolute heaven.

Spice It Up

When we want some heat I'll add jalapeños or use spicy Italian sausage. That kick with the creamy cheese and rich sauce it's a whole new level of delicious. Start small with the spice you can always add more next time.

A slice of cheesy pizza topped with pepperoni and ground meat, with gooey cheese stretching from the slice to the plate. | tastyblom.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?: You can prepare the beef filling ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready to serve for best crust texture.
→ What size pie dish works best?: A 9-inch pie dish is ideal. For deep-dish pans, you may need extra crescent roll dough to cover sides completely.
→ Can I use different toppings?: Yes, customize with any pizza toppings like mushrooms, jalapeños, or different meats. Sauce can also be swapped for Alfredo.
→ How should I store leftovers?: Store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in oven to maintain crust crispness.
→ What cheese alternatives work?: Try provolone, cheddar, or pizza blend cheese instead of or mixed with mozzarella.

Conclusion

A hearty pizza-inspired pie featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and classic pizza toppings in a flaky crescent roll crust.

Beef Pizza Pie