Man's Meat Pie, Italian Style (Recipe)

I asked Kirk a few days before Thanksgiving, "What is your favorite dish that I make?" His response was my Italian Meat Pie, or "Man's Meat Pie" as I like to call it. 

His answer actually surprised me as I make all kinds of different things (or I try to, at least) and he chose a very simple recipe. It's basically a pizza pie - very hearty and full of flavor.  I made it during a visit from his dad and stepmother during the Thanksgiving break and took photos during the procedure.

So I wanted to share this very easy recipe (and photos) with you. After all if my "Ladies Man" loves it, your man (or even woman) may love it too. Enjoy!


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Italian Meat Pie

1 lb. lean ground meat  (I use ground turkey)

1/2 c. green pepper, chopped

3/4 c. water

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 (14.5 oz.) can Hunts Italian flavored crushed tomatoes (any brand will do.  I like the kind with added garlic and basil in it)

2 pieces garlic, chopped

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 c. chopped dehydrated onions (I use some fresh and some dried.)

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper

1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1 - 1 1/2 c. grated Mozzarella cheese (I use half cheddar and half Mozzarella, fat-free or low-fat brands)

1 deep dish pie shell  (store bought brand.  Or make your own by visiting here)


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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown beef in large skillet. Drain, add green pepper and cook 2 minutes.




Dissolve cornstarch in water and add to skillet along with tomatoes and all seasonings. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.

Sprinkle half of Parmesan cheese and Mozzarella (and cheddar, optional) shredded cheese over bottom of pie crust.  If you choose to make your own pie crust, visit my friend Annie at Annie Bakes for this easy pie recipe first. 




Cover with half of meat mixture, then more Mozzarella and other cheeses.







Bake on cookie sheet in oven for 15 - 20 minutes. (You need the cookie sheet beneath your pie dish because often the pie will overflow with cheese and goodness).


Sprinkle with remaining Mozzarella cheese and return to oven 5 more minutes or until cheese melts.





Serve it with a green salad or try saute'eing some yellow squash with garlic, onions, and parmesan cheese like I did:





Be sure you have a tall glass of red wine to go along with this.  My favorite is Chianti.

Mmmmmmmmmmm,  Bravo!~