If you have a craving for a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that combines the best of Italian flavors, then this Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine a flaky, buttery crust packed with a luscious blend of ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and zesty pepperoni, all simmered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with a ooey-gooey layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This pie brings all the heart and warmth of Italy right to your table, perfect for gathering around with friends and family. Each bite bursts with layers of meaty goodness, aromatic herbs, and that golden crust everyone loves. Let me walk you through this recipe that’s both a comforting classic and an impressive dish to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe come alive, you only need a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor — from the robust meats to the fresh herbs and cheesy topping, everything works harmoniously.
- All-purpose flour: The base for a tender yet flaky pie crust that will hold all the delicious filling.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors in both the dough and the meat filling.
- Unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed for a rich, buttery crust with a perfect crumbly texture.
- Ice water: Helps bind the dough without melting the butter, ensuring flakiness.
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty and meaty foundation that’s juicy and flavorful.
- Italian sausage: Adds spice and depth, whether you choose mild or spicy — both work beautifully.
- Pepperoni: Brings a punch of zesty, cured meat flavor that complements the other meats perfectly.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and texture that soften during cooking.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the filling with an irresistible aroma.
- Dried oregano, basil, and parsley: Classic Italian herbs that brighten the entire filling with earthy, fresh notes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who crave a little extra heat and complexity.
- Marinara sauce: The rich tomato base that unites all the flavors into a luscious filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully to create a creamy, stringy texture throughout.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that elevates the pie’s overall richness.
- Egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust a beautiful golden color and glossy finish.
How to Make Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by combining your all-purpose flour and salt in a large bowl. The salt is key here because it subtly boosts the flavor of your crust. Add your chilled, cubed butter and work it into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is vital for that flaky texture everyone loves — the little pieces of butter create steam as they bake, giving you layers of delicate crispiness.
Step 2: Bring the Dough Together
Slowly add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, to the flour and butter mixture. Mix gently just until the dough comes together. You want to avoid overworking it to keep the crust tender. Once the dough forms, divide it into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting period helps relax the gluten, making rolling out easier and preventing shrinkage during baking.
Step 3: Cook the Meats and Vegetables
While the crust chills, prepare your filling by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Breaking up the meat ensures even cooking and maximum flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat — this prevents a greasy pie. Add your chopped pepperoni, onion, and minced garlic, cooking until the onions soften and everything melds together beautifully.
Step 4: Season and Simmer the Filling
Pour in your marinara sauce along with oregano, basil, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let this simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to harmonize. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly to prevent soggy crust during assembly.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully lay the dough in the dish, pressing into the edges for a snug fit. Spread the meat mixture evenly, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, which will melt creating that iconic gooey layer.
Step 6: Top and Seal the Pie
Roll out the second dough disc and place it over your filling. Trim any excess dough and pinch the edges together tightly to seal in the delicious filling. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust, which allows steam to escape while baking, preventing sogginess or cracking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Brush the top crust with beaten egg to achieve a gorgeous, golden-brown finish. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the crust is perfectly crisp and the filling bubbles up with irresistible aroma. If the edges brown too fast, you can shield them with foil halfway through baking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let your pie cool for 10 to 15 minutes after removing it from the oven — this resting time helps the filling set so you get perfect slices every time. Serve warm, and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate the presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or oregano on top right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dollop of ricotta cheese can also add a beautiful finishing touch. These garnishes add freshness and a pop of color to your rustic pie.
Side Dishes
This pie shines brightest when paired with simple sides that complement its richness. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a light garlic bread make excellent companions. They add texture and balance to the meal without competing with the pie’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Turn your pie into individual hand pies by dividing the filling and crust into smaller portions before baking. Perfect for parties or picnics, these handheld pockets keep all that meaty goodness in one delicious bite. Alternatively, serve with a bowl of marinara sauce on the side for dipping—because you can never have too much sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to maintain freshness. Reheat gently to keep the crust crisp and the filling piping hot.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this pie later, it freezes well before or after baking. Wrap tightly with freezer-safe plastic and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking if unbaked, or reheat fully if previously baked.
Reheating
To bring your Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe back to life, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pie for 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and the filling tender and heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic combination is ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni, you can experiment with pancetta, salami, or even ground turkey for a lighter option. Just be mindful of seasoning and fat content.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for elasticity. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How spicy is this pie with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick that complements the savory meat mixture without overwhelming other flavors. You can leave them out for a milder pie or increase the amount if you love heat.
Can I prepare the pie filling in advance?
Definitely! The meat filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen even more. Just assemble and bake the pie when ready.
What can I serve with this pie for a full meal?
A crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables pair wonderfully with the richness of this pie. You could also serve a simple antipasto platter or steamed greens to round out the meal.
Final Thoughts
You truly cannot go wrong with this Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart and fills your home with amazing aromas. Whether for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish to wow your guests, this pie delivers comfort, flavor, and a bit of that Italian magic in every slice. I encourage you to try it soon — once you do, it might just become your go-to favorite as well!
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Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Three Meat Italian Pie features a flaky homemade crust filled with a rich blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni, simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this savory pie is perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the 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)
For the 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
For Topping and Finishing
- 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 Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, divide into two equal portions, and form each into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Cook the Meat Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add Aromatics and Pepperoni: Add chopped pepperoni, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion softens, about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
- Simmer Sauce and Herbs: Stir in marinara sauce, dried oregano, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens and melds with the meats. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cool Filling: Remove skillet from heat and allow the meat filling to cool slightly to prevent sogging the crust during assembly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking the pie.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish, pressing it into the edges and up the sides.
- Assemble Filling: Evenly spread the cooled meat filling over the bottom crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the filling.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the pie. Trim excess dough and pinch edges to seal the pie completely. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake the Pie: Place pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling bubbles through vents.
- Protect Crust Edges if Needed: If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning and continue baking.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes to set the filling and allow easier slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spice by omitting or adding more red pepper flakes.
- For a flakier crust, ensure the butter stays cold and do not overwork the dough.
- Leftover pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Feel free to substitute the pepperoni with another cured Italian meat like salami if preferred.
- If you want a vegetarian version, omit all meats and increase vegetables or use plant-based meat alternatives.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
