If you are on the hunt for a comforting, hearty dish that brings all the flavors of a traditional Italian feast into one spectacular bite, this Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with savory layers of ground beef, Italian sausage, and spicy pepperoni, nestled inside a perfectly flaky, buttery crust, this pie balances rich meatiness, aromatic herbs, and melty cheeses in every single slice. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe delivers an unforgettable explosion of tastes and textures that truly celebrate Italian-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the best dishes start with simple, quality ingredients, and this Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe is no exception. Each component plays an essential role, from the flaky pie crust that holds everything together, to the perfectly seasoned meat filling that gives the pie its signature robust flavor.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the foundation of our tender and flaky crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dough.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Key for a rich, crumbly crust texture.
- 6 tablespoons ice water (or as needed): Helps bring the dough together without making it tough.
- ½ lb ground beef: Adds hearty depth and tender meatiness to the pie filling.
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Brings classic Italian seasoning and a wonderful juiciness.
- ½ cup pepperoni, chopped: Introduces spicy, savory bursts that complement the other meats.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed with the meats.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic herb that lends an authentic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fragrant touch that brightens the meat mixture.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Provides subtle freshness and color contrast.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick of spice.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Brings moisture, sweetness, and acidity to balance the rich meats.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Gooey, melty cheese that holds everything together.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty sharpness on top.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning layers perfectly.
- 1 egg, beaten: For brushing the crust to achieve a beautiful golden finish.
How to Make Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently just until the dough holds together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for that perfect flaky crust we all love.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking them apart so they cook evenly. Once fully cooked, drain away excess fat to keep the filling from feeling greasy. Next, toss in the chopped pepperoni, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic, cooking until the onions soften and become translucent—about five minutes. These steps build the foundation of delicious, layered flavors in the filling.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Stir your marinara sauce into the meat mixture along with the dried oregano, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes if you’re adding spice. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and all those herbaceous flavors marry together beautifully. Add salt and pepper to taste—this final seasoning brings out the true essence of the Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one disc of chilled dough on a floured surface until it fits nicely into a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the edges, then spread your savory meat mixture evenly across the bottom. Layer the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top to add that gooey, cheesy goodness we crave. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling, trimming any excess and pinching the edges together to seal.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the crust with the beaten egg—you’ll love how this step transforms the crust into a glossy, golden masterpiece. Pop the pie into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the crust is beautifully browned and the filling bubbles with promise. If the edges start browning too quickly, cover them with foil to keep things even.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Patience is a virtue here—let the pie cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling settle and makes cutting cleaner slices possible. Then, dig in and savor every delicious bite of this magnificent Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe sensation.
How to Serve Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley on top adds a pop of vibrant color and fresh herbal notes. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can enhance the richness, while a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on the side gives a customizable heat kick for those who like it spicy.
Side Dishes
This hearty pie pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness with brightness and crunch. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread make wonderful companions too, rounding out your meal with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the pie into wedges and serving on wooden boards for a rustic charm, or plate individual slices topped with fresh Parmesan shavings and a small basil sprig for a refined look. For a party, slice into smaller squares to create satisfying finger foods that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Covered properly, the crust stays tender and the filling maintains its robust flavor, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled, unbaked pie for up to two months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes to revive that flaky crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. A quick reheat in a skillet with a lid can also restore crispness.
FAQs
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until ready to use. This can actually improve the texture by allowing the gluten to rest.
What if I want a spicier pie?
Feel free to add more red pepper flakes or choose a spicy Italian sausage. You can also layer slices of hot pepperoni or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Can I use pre-made pie crust?
Yes, using store-bought pie crust can save time and still yield delicious results, though homemade crust offers a richer flavor and flakier texture for this Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing cooked pie?
Freezing the fully cooked pie is possible, though the crust may lose some of its crispness upon reheating. Freezing before baking encourages better texture retention.
How do I know when the pie is fully cooked?
Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling through the steam vents. If the edges brown too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking until done.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way this Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe brings together bold flavors, comforting textures, and timeless Italian spirit all in one baking dish. Every step of making it feels like a warm, rewarding experience, culminating in a slice of pure joy you can share. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and create your own happy memories around this hearty, delicious pie!
Print
Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Three Meat Italian Pie is a savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni baked in a flaky homemade pie crust with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a comforting meal, this Italian-inspired pie offers a delightful combination of spiced meats and herbs wrapped in golden, buttery pastry.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6 tablespoons ice water (or as needed)
Meat Filling
- ½ lb (225g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- ½ cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses and Finish
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.
- Chill Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, divide it into two equal portions, and form each into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Saute Vegetables and Pepperoni: Add the chopped pepperoni, onion, and garlic to the pan, cooking until the onion becomes soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cool Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling the pie.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the edges.
- Fill Pie: Spread the meat filling evenly over the bottom of the crust. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filled pie. Trim any excess dough and pinch the edges to seal the crust. Cut a few slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Protect Crust Edges: If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use cold butter and ice water for a flaky pie crust.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding or omitting red pepper flakes.
- Cover pie edges with foil if browning too fast to avoid burning.
- Let the meat filling cool slightly before assembling to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
- The pie can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes for best results.
