Spinach Beef Pie: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Dish

Introduction

When it comes to comforting, flavorful dishes that are both filling and satisfying, Spinach Beef Pie is a standout. This hearty pie combines two beloved ingredients—beef and spinach—encased in a flaky, golden-brown pie crust. With its rich, savory filling, this pie offers a delicious balance of flavors that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Whether you’re looking for a meal to impress guests at a family gathering, or a comforting weeknight dinner, Spinach Beef Pie is the perfect choice. The ground beef is sautéed with garlic and onions, creating a savory base, and then combined with spinach and a blend of spices, all encased in a buttery, crispy pie crust. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is versatile enough to be served with a variety of sides. The end result is a wholesome, flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

I first came across this recipe while searching for something different to make for dinner, and it’s quickly become a staple in our home. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for every season, making it an ideal option for everything from a cozy dinner to a festive gathering. Let’s dive into why this dish is so special and how you can make it perfectly every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Flavorful: The savory combination of ground beef, spinach, and spices creates a comforting, filling meal that’s full of flavor.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and clear steps, this dish is approachable even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile: You can customize the filling by adding other vegetables, cheeses, or spices, tailoring it to your personal taste.
• Great for Leftovers: This pie tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together, making it perfect for meal prepping or reheating for lunch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a gathering, or looking for a cozy meal for one, Spinach Beef Pie fits the bill.
• Freezable: This pie freezes wonderfully, allowing you to make it in advance and enjoy it later on busy days.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (20 minutes prep, 55 minutes cooking)
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
  Calories: 400
  Protein: 25g
  Carbs: 30g
  Fat: 22g

This recipe makes 6-8 servings, perfect for a family meal or for serving a group. It’s also a great dish for leftovers the next day, as the flavors improve with time.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (to help bind the filling)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 pre-made pie crusts (or homemade, if preferred)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional for a golden finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and the crust turns golden brown and flaky.

STEP 2: Prepare the Pie Filling

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step releases the aromatic flavors of the onion and garlic, providing the base for the savory filling.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once the beef is fully browned, drain off any excess fat.

Next, stir in the chopped spinach. If you’re using fresh spinach, let it wilt down for 2-3 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet. Stir the spinach into the beef mixture until it’s fully incorporated.

Now, add the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese (if using), and breadcrumbs to the skillet. Stir everything together until the mixture is well-combined. Season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.

Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the crust.

STEP 3: Assemble the Pie

Roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the dish, ensuring the edges are even. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust several times to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

Once the crust is in place, spoon the prepared filling into the pie shell, spreading it out evenly. Be careful not to overfill it, as the filling can spill over while baking.

Place the second pie crust over the top of the filled pie. Gently press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal the pie. You can use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch. If desired, use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

For a golden finish, brush the top crust with a light coating of beaten egg. This gives the crust a beautiful, glossy sheen once baked.

STEP 4: Bake the Pie

Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning. The filling should be bubbly, and the crust should have a beautiful golden hue.

Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the filling to set, making it easier to serve.

STEP 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pie into wedges and serve with your favorite side dishes. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal with your family or friends!

How to Serve

• Side Dishes: Pair the pie with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or brussels sprouts, for a nutritious and delicious meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness of the pie.
• Sauce Pairing: If you prefer, serve the pie with a side of tomato sauce or a drizzle of béchamel sauce for an added layer of flavor.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine, like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the savory filling of this pie.

Additional Tips

• Thawing Frozen Spinach: If you use frozen spinach, make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the pie from becoming soggy.
• Homemade Pie Crust: While store-bought pie crust is quick and convenient, a homemade crust adds an extra touch of tenderness and flavor. If you’re short on time, a pre-made crust works just fine!
• Make It Ahead: This pie can be prepared the day before and stored in the fridge. Simply bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve it. The flavors will have time to meld, making the pie even more delicious.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add extra ingredients to the filling. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a bit of crumbled feta cheese can be added to the mixture for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Add Cheese: For a richer filling, add more cheese. Parmesan or cheddar would work wonderfully alongside the ricotta.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the beef and use lentils, mushrooms, or a combination of other vegetables as the base.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling if you prefer a little heat.

Storage and Freezing

Storage: Leftover Spinach Beef Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.

Freezing: This pie freezes well! To freeze, prepare the pie as directed, but do not bake it. Instead, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat

it, bake it directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour, or until fully cooked and golden brown.

Reheating: To reheat leftover pie, place individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Conclusion

Spinach Beef Pie is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just as a hearty meal for yourself, this pie is sure to please. The combination of savory beef, fresh spinach, and a buttery pie crust makes every bite a comforting experience.

The best part is its versatility—this dish can easily be customized to suit your tastes, and it’s just as delicious when served as leftovers. Try it out, and you’ll find that it quickly becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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