Indulge in the savory comfort of Pie a La Italian, a golden, flaky double-crust pie brimming with rich Italian flavors. This hearty recipe combines seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage, sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh baby spinach, layered with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Infused with aromatic oregano and basil and topped with an irresistible egg wash sheen, this dish is the perfect fusion of a classic pie and Italian cuisine. Ready in just over an hour, this crowd-pleasing pie is ideal for family dinners or a cozy weekend treat. Serve it with a crisp salad or a side of garlic bread to complete the ultimate Italian-inspired meal!
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and prepare a 9-inch pie dish.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, cook until browned, and drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
In the same skillet, add baby spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 150 grams of shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and 1 beaten egg. Mix until smooth.
Roll out one of the pre-made pie crusts and fit it into the pie dish. Trim any excess edges.
Layer the pie: Start with half of the meat mixture, then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top. Repeat with another layer of meat and ricotta. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Place the second pie crust over the filling. Use a knife to trim the edges and press them together with a fork to seal. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Whisk the milk with the remaining egg to create an egg wash. Brush it evenly over the top crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown and crisp.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Pie a La Italian!
Calories |
5130 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 346.5 g | 444% | |
| Saturated Fat | 126.7 g | 634% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 880 mg | 293% | |
| Sodium | 6679 mg | 290% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 323.6 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.7 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.5 g | ||
| Protein | 215.9 g | 432% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 3154 mg | 243% | |
| Iron | 25.4 mg | 141% | |
| Potassium | 2711 mg | 58% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.