If you adore hearty, flavor-packed dishes that bring the comforts of Italy right to your kitchen, then this Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a delicious, savory pie loaded with ground beef, pepperoni, and salami, layered perfectly with spinach, tangy pimientos, and rich Italian cheese. Every bite bursts with the perfect balance of meaty goodness, melted cheese, and vibrant flavors that will make any meal feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this pie. Each one plays an important role, from keeping the filling moist and flavorful to creating that irresistible golden crust. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to turn this dish into a showstopper!
- Ground beef (1 1/4 lbs): The heart of the pie, providing a juicy, savory base.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Adds classic Italian herbs that enhance the meat’s flavor.
- Frozen chopped spinach (10-oz box, thawed and drained): Offers a subtle earthiness and a splash of healthy greens.
- Salami (6 slices, cut into bite-size pieces): Gives a spicy, slightly smoky bite throughout the pie.
- Diced pimientos (1/4 cup, drained): Lends sweet, tangy notes that brighten the filling.
- Pepperoni (1 oz, cut into bite-size pieces): Adds classic Italian sausage flavor with a little kick.
- Bruschetta (14-oz container): Creates a rich, tomato-ey interior packed with garlic and herbs.
- Eggs (3 large, divided): One egg whispers richness into the filling, while two eggs help seal the crust.
- Shredded Italian-blend cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully to bind the pie and add gooey indulgence.
- Pie crusts (2, refrigerated or homemade): The flaky, buttery vessel that holds all these flavors together.
How to Make Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Spinach Filling
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbly. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning to infuse herby warmth. Drain any excess fat to keep the pie from getting greasy, then stir in the thawed and drained chopped spinach. This combination forms the savory heart of your filling, blending meaty depth with fresh greens perfectly.
Step 2: Mix in the Meats and Vegetables
Next, add the chopped salami, pepperoni, and diced pimientos to the skillet. These ingredients bring bursts of flavors—salty, spicy, and sweet—that elevate every forkful. Stir them gently into the meat and spinach mixture to distribute evenly and ensure each bite has that satisfying variety.
Step 3: Combine with Bruschetta and Eggs
Pour the container of bruschetta into the filling mixture. The vibrant tomato chunks and herbaceous garlic blend adds a saucy component that keeps the pie moist and full of zest. Crack in one egg and mix thoroughly—this helps bind all the ingredients together so the filling sets nicely when baked.
Step 4: Prepare the Pie Crust
Unroll or place one pie crust into your pie dish, pressing it gently to fit snugly at the bottom and edges. Trim any excess from the edges. Lightly beat two eggs in a small bowl, then brush the edges of the crust with this egg wash; this helps seal the top crust later and gives a glossy finish once baked.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Spread half of the shredded Italian-blend cheese evenly over the bottom crust. Spoon the hearty meat and spinach filling on top, distributing it evenly but avoiding overfilling. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the filling to create a melty, cheesy top layer. Cover with the second pie crust, tuck under the bottom crust edges, and crimp to seal. Brush the entire top crust with the remaining egg wash to promote beautiful browning.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 to 50 minutes until the crust turns deep golden brown and the filling bubbles invitingly. Let the pie rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing—this ensures those delicious layers set up and you get perfect, clean slices.
How to Serve Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really enhance the experience. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a lovely herbal fragrance and extra cheesy touch that complements the rich pie. Even a few crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat that livens up the dish.
Side Dishes
This pie is hearty, so pairing it with lighter sides works wonderfully. A simple mixed greens salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and balances the richness, while a crisp garlic bread or roasted vegetables rounds out the meal for a true Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pie in wedges on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dip for family-style sharing or casual entertaining. You can even slice it into finger-sized portions for a fun appetizer platter at your next gathering—either way, it’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pie, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners that still taste delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save this Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe for later, freezing works great. Wrap the fully assembled, unbaked pie in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or freeze portions of the cooked pie in airtight containers. Frozen pies last up to 2 months and can be baked or reheated directly from frozen with some extra baking time.
Reheating
Reheat slices of pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes to warm through while preserving the crust’s flakiness. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method keeps the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, sauté it lightly first until wilted, then drain any excess moisture before adding it to your filling. This prevents the pie from becoming soggy and keeps the flavors concentrated.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the regular pie crust for a gluten-free version available in most stores or make your own from gluten-free flour blends. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch to accommodate dietary needs.
Can I prepare this pie ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble the pie completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What cheeses work best besides Italian-blend?
If you can’t find Italian blend cheese, mozzarella mixed with provolone and Parmesan makes a perfect combo. These cheeses melt well and offer that classic cheesy Italian flavor profile.
How spicy is the Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the pepperoni and salami. If you want it spicier, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a hotter sausage variety to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Three Meat Italian Pie Recipe is like welcoming a warm hug from Italy right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of comforting, bold, and cheesy all in one slice. Don’t hesitate—gather these simple ingredients and dive in. This pie will quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
PrintThree Meat Italian Pie Recipe
This Three Meat Italian Pie combines hearty ground beef, savory Italian meats like salami and pepperoni, and a flavorful blend of spinach, cheese, and bruschetta for a deliciously satisfying Italian-inspired dish encased in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this savory pie brings rich flavors and a delightful mix of textures to your table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 1/4 lbs ground beef
- 6 slices (1 1/2 oz) salami, cut into bite size pieces
- 1/4 cup (1 oz) pepperoni, cut into bite size pieces
Vegetables & Others
- 10-oz box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/4 cup diced pimientos, drained
- 1 (14-oz) container bruschetta
Dairy & Eggs
- 3 large eggs, divided
- 2 cups shredded Italian-blend cheese
Seasoning & Crust
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 pie crusts (refrigerated or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess edges to fit snugly.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then stir in the dried Italian seasoning. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, thawed and drained spinach, salami pieces, pepperoni pieces, diced pimientos, bruschetta, and 1 beaten egg. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread half of the shredded Italian-blend cheese evenly over the bottom of the pie crust in the dish. Pour the meat and vegetable mixture over the cheese and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Add Top Crust: Place the second pie crust over the filling. Trim and crimp edges to seal the pie. Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the remaining 2 eggs and brush the top crust with the beaten eggs to achieve a golden, shiny finish once baked.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid a soggy pie crust.
- You can use store-bought or homemade pie crust depending on your preference.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Leftover pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Ensure the pie is baked thoroughly to avoid any raw crust or meat inside.