Italian Beef and Sausage Pie

There are dishes that promise comfort and satisfaction in every bite, and the Italian Beef and Sausage Pie is one such culinary treasure. This hearty pie, packed with the robust flavors of meat, cheese, and herbs, encapsulates the essence of Italian cuisine with a comforting, homemade twist. Perfect for a family dinner, a gathering of friends, or simply when the mood for something indulgent strikes, this pie promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to bring this delectable dish to your table.

Ingredients:

• For the pie:
  • Vegetable shortening or butter (for greasing)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sweet sausage, casing removed
  • 1 large sweet onion, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon dry basil
  • 1 teaspoon dry oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup Greek full-fat yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 pound provolone cheese, sliced
  • 1 large bunch scallions, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-10 inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease it with shortening or butter to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Cook the Meats: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking them into small pieces as they cook. Once browned, drain the meat but reserve about 2 tablespoons of the liquid for later use.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper along with the basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
4. Combine Meat and Vegetable Mixture: Return the browned meat to the skillet with the vegetables, adding the reserved cooking liquid to moisten the mixture slightly.
5. Prepare the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, salt, baking powder, and flour until smooth. This will be your pie’s custard-like base.
6. Layer the Pie: Pour half of the batter into the prepared springform pan. Layer half of the meat mixture over the batter, then sprinkle all the Parmesan and provolone cheeses on top. Add the remaining meat mixture and finish with the rest of the batter. Mix the diced scallions and shredded mozzarella into the final layer of batter for that extra cheesy goodness.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. If the top isn’t golden and bubbly, switch the oven to broil for a few minutes — just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the pie sit for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This rest period helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to slice.

Nutritional Info:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Calories: 580 kcal per serving
• Servings: 8

This Italian Beef and Sausage Pie isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this recipe promises not only to satisfy hunger but also to create a moment of culinary joy worth sharing. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious rewards!