Beef Pizza Pie

To begin your Beef Pizza Pie journey, start by making the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar, creating a well in the center. In a separate small bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with warm water and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it's frothy. Once the yeast is ready, pour it into the well in the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they come together into a rough dough.

Next, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want to develop the gluten to achieve a soft, elastic texture. If you find the dough sticking to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour as needed. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and then add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the diced bell pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, combining everything into a cheesy, savory mixture.

Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the dough in half, and roll out one half on a floured surface until it is large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie pan, allowing the excess dough to hang over the edges.

Next, spread a layer of pizza sauce evenly across the bottom of the dough-lined pie pan. Spoon the beef filling into the crust, distributing it evenly. Fold the overhanging dough over the filling to create a rustic edge, or you can crimp it for a more polished look. Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the top of the filling. Pinch the edges to seal the pie, and cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.

Brush the top crust with a little olive oil for a golden finish, and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top if desired. Place the pie in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of the baking pie will fill your kitchen, teasing your taste buds and creating a comforting atmosphere.

Once baked, remove the Beef Pizza Pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the filling to set, ensuring that each slice holds together beautifully. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.