Meat and Cheese Pie Recipe

Meat and Cheese Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or pork
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup marinara sauce or tomato sauce
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crusts for a 9-inch pie)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned.
   • Drain any excess fat, then add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
   • Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Pie:
   • Place one pie crust in the prepared pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
   • Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on the bottom crust.
   • Spoon the meat mixture over the cheese layer and spread evenly.
   • Top with the remaining cheese.
   • Cover with the second pie crust, seal the edges, and make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Apply Egg Wash and Bake:
   • Brush the top crust with beaten egg to help achieve a golden-brown finish.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This rest period helps the filling set, making the pie easier to cut.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

This Meat and Cheese Pie is a robust and filling dish that combines savory flavors with the satisfying textures of meat, cheese, and crispy pastry. It’s ideal for a family dinner or as a comforting meal on a chilly day. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!