Cheesy Meatball and Sausage Pie: Indulge in Hearty, Savory Perfection!
By Jason Griffith
Imagine a comforting pie, not sweet, but brimming with savory goodness: tender meatballs, flavorful sausage, and gooey melted cheese, all tucked into a flaky, golden crust. This Cheesy Meatball and Sausage Pie is a truly satisfying and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a fun game day meal, or any time you crave a hearty, Italian-inspired bake. It’s a delicious twist on classic flavors, guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of dishes that deliver big on comfort and flavor with minimal fuss, and this Cheesy Meatball and Sausage Pie absolutely nails it! What I truly adore is the incredible combination of savory meatballs and sausage, perfectly complemented by the tangy marinara sauce and a generous blend of gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. The flaky pie crust creates a delightful contrast in texture, making every bite an absolute pleasure. It feels incredibly hearty and indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to assemble thanks to pre-made ingredients, making it a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch, refrigerated or frozen, thawed)
- 12 pre-cooked meatballs, halved (frozen or refrigerated)
- 200g (about 7 oz) cooked sausage, sliced (such as Italian sausage, or pre-cooked breakfast/smoked sausage)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Pre-made Pie Crust: Using a pre-made pie crust saves a lot of time. You can use either a refrigerated roll-out crust or a frozen crust, thawed according to package directions.
- Pre-cooked Meatballs: This recipe relies on pre-cooked meatballs for convenience. You can use frozen Italian-style meatballs or homemade pre-cooked ones. Halving them ensures even distribution in the pie.
- Cooked Sausage: Pre-cooked Italian sausage (mild or hot), or even slices of pre-cooked smoked sausage, work well. Ensure it’s cooked before adding to the pie.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite marinara sauce. A chunky or smooth sauce will work fine.
- Cheese: The combination of mozzarella (for meltiness) and Parmesan (for sharpness) is classic. You can also use a Mexican blend cheese or provolone for a different cheesy flavor.
- Egg Wash: The beaten egg with a splash of water or milk creates a golden, glossy crust.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend usually contains dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, adding a classic Italian flavor profile.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves are optional but add a beautiful aromatic garnish and bright flavor.
- Vegetables (Optional): You could sauté some finely diced bell peppers or onions and add a small amount to the layers for extra vegetables.
Preparation Steps:
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully unroll the pre-made pie crust and use it to line a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into the bottom and up the sides.
2. Layer the First Half: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Next, arrange half of the halved pre-cooked meatballs and half of the sliced cooked sausage over the marinara sauce, distributing them as evenly as possible. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheesegenerously over the meat layer.
3. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: Spread the rest of the marinara sauce, followed by the remaining meatballs and sausage, and finally, sprinkle with the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Ensure the top is covered generously with cheese.
4. Finish the Crust & Season: Carefully fold the edges of the pie crust over the filling, creating a rustic border. In a small bowl, whisk the 1 large egg with a splash of water or milk to create an egg wash. Brush the folded edges of the crust generously with the egg wash. Sprinkle the brushed crust lightly with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
5. Bake: Place the pie dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pie crust is beautifully golden brown and puffed, and the cheese filling is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
6. Cool & Garnish: Remove the pie from the oven. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the cheese and filling to set slightly, making for cleaner slices. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, for a touch of freshness and color.
Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish—a delicious slice of cheesy, meaty goodness!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, don’t overload the pie with too many fillings, as it can make it difficult to bake through and may cause spillovers.
- Pre-Cooked Meats: Using pre-cooked meatballs and sausage is a huge time-saver. Ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the pie.
- Egg Wash for Shine: The egg wash creates a beautiful golden, professional-looking crust.
- Resting Time: Allowing the pie to rest after baking is crucial for the filling to set, resulting in cleaner, more appealing slices.
- Taste Test: Ensure your marinara sauce and meats are seasoned well before layering.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Cheesy Meatball and Sausage Pie is a hearty and complete meal on its own, perfect for various occasions.
- Family Dinner: A satisfying and comforting main dish for any night of the week.
- Game Day: Cut into squares for a delicious and easy-to-eat party food.
- Potluck: Travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for an extra touch of Italian comfort.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied Chianti or a Merlot would pair well with the savory meats and tomato sauce.
- For other comforting and cheesy casserole or meat-based dishes, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
Storage and Leftover Tips
This pie is fantastic for making ahead, and leftovers are a delicious treat!
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire pie (steps 1-6) a few hours in advance, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cheesy Meatball and Sausage Pie, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual slices in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. This helps the crust retain some crispness. Microwaving is possible but may result in a softer crust.
- Freezing: This pie freezes well. Once completely cooled, cut into individual servings or wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Meatball and Sausage Pie is a truly delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich combination of savory meats, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese, all encased in a flaky crust, creates a satisfying and memorable meal. Get ready to indulge in this delicious and easy-to-make savory pie!
What are your favorite savory pie fillings, or do you have a go-to recipe for comforting weeknight meals? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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