Pizza Pot Pies: A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food

Pizza Pot Pies are a delightful twist on two beloved comfort foods, combining the heartiness of a pot pie with the irresistible flavors of pizza. Imagine sinking your fork into a flaky, golden crust, only to discover a warm, savory filling brimming with gooey cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of cozy family dinners and pizza nights with friends.

Originating from the classic Italian pizza, Pizza Pot Pies have evolved into a fun and convenient meal that appeals to all ages. People love this dish for its versatility; you can customize it with any toppings you desire, making it a perfect choice for picky eaters or those looking to experiment in the kitchen. The combination of textures—from the crispy crust to the rich, melty filling—creates a culinary experience that is both comforting and exciting. Join me as we explore how to make these scrumptious Pizza Pot Pies that are sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Preparing the Filling

Let’s start by making the delicious filling for our pizza pot pies. This is where all the flavors come together, and it’s super easy!

1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Next, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Once the meat is cooked, toss in the diced bell peppers and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Set the filling aside to cool slightly while we prepare the crust.

Preparing the Pie Crust

Now that our filling is ready, it’s time to prepare the pie crust. This is where the magic happens, and we create those adorable little pot pies!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that our pot pies bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
2. Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a clean surface. You’ll need to cut out circles that will fit into your ramekins or oven-safe bowls. I usually use a 4-5 inch round cutter, but you can also use a small bowl as a guide.
3. Once you have your circles cut out, gently press them into the bottom and up the sides of your ramekins. Make sure to leave some overhang for the top crust.
4. Using a fork, poke a few holes in the bottom of the crust to allow steam to escape while baking. This will help prevent sogginess.

Assembling the Pizza Pot Pies

Now comes the fun part—assembling our pizza pot pies! This is where you can get creative and make them your own.

1. Using a spoon, fill each pie crust with the prepared pizza filling. Be generous, but don’t overfill, as we need to leave room for the top crust.
2. Once all the ramekins are filled, take the remaining pie crust and cut out additional circles to serve as the tops. You can also use fun shapes like stars or hearts if you’re feeling festive!
3. Place the top crusts over the filled ramekins, pressing the edges to seal them. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
4. Brush the tops of the pot pies with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
5. Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. This is important to prevent the filling from bubbling over.

Baking the Pizza Pot Pies

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to bake our delicious creations.

1. Place the assembled pot pies on a baking sheet to catch any drips

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Pizza Pot Pies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The combination of flaky crust, savory sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings creates a delightful dish that is both satisfying and fun to eat. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a cozy movie night, or just as a quick weeknight dinner, these pot pies are sure to impress. Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! Pair them with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal, or serve them alongside a zesty marinara sauce for dipping. You can also experiment with different fillings—try adding pepperoni, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of fresh basil for a gourmet twist. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so versatile. I encourage you to give these Pizza Pot Pies a try and share your experience with friends and family. I’d love to hear how they turned out for you and what unique variations you came up with. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it your own! So roll up your sleeves, get in the kitchen, and enjoy the deliciousness of these Pizza Pot Pies. Happy cooking! Print

   Pizza Pot Pies: A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food

   

   Print Recipe

   These Pizza Pot Pies are a creative take on classic pizza, filled with ground beef or Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a flaky pie crust. Ideal for a comforting dinner or as a fun party snack!

   • Author: Maria
   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30 minutes
   • Total Time: 50 minutes
   • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
   • 1 small onion, diced
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
   • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
   • 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
   • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
   • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
   • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   • 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts
   • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

   Instructions

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   1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.
   2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
   3. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   4. Toss in the diced bell peppers and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
   5. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
   6. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
   7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   8. Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and cut out circles to fit your ramekins or oven-safe bowls (4-5 inch round).
   9. Press the circles into the bottom and up the sides of the ramekins, leaving some overhang for the top crust.
   10. Poke a few holes in the bottom of the crust with a fork to allow steam to escape.
   11. Fill each pie crust with the prepared pizza filling, leaving room for the top crust.
   12. Cut out additional circles from the remaining pie crust for the tops, or use fun shapes if desired.
   13. Place the top crusts over the filled ramekins, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork for decoration.
   14. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
   15. Make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
   16. Place the assembled pot pies on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
   17. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
   18. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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   Notes

   • Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, olives, or spinach.
   • These pot pies can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.