
Cheesy Beef Crescent Roll Pie: A Comfort Food Delight
Craving a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious meal that’s also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Cheesy Beef Crescent Roll Pie! This recipe combines the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef with a blanket of melty cheese, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crescent roll crust. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a hearty and satisfying dish.
This recipe takes classic flavors and presents them in a fun and approachable way. The crescent roll crust is not only incredibly easy to work with (no kneading or rolling required!), but it also provides a delightful contrast to the rich and savory filling. The cheesy topping adds the perfect finishing touch, creating a golden-brown crust that’s irresistible.
Let’s dive into the details of how to create this culinary masterpiece!
## Ingredients You’ll Need:
Before we get started, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound. Lean ground beef is preferable, but you can use ground chuck for a richer flavor. Drain off any excess grease after browning.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15 ounce) can. Plain tomato sauce forms the base of the beef filling.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. This blend of herbs adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Crescent Roll Dough:** 2 (8 ounce) cans. Make sure to keep these refrigerated until you’re ready to use them. The seamless kind is best.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 2 cups (8 ounces). A combination of cheddar and mozzarella is a great choice, but feel free to use your favorite cheese or blend. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be delicious.
* **Egg:** 1 large (for egg wash). This helps the crust brown beautifully.
* **Milk:** 1 tablespoon (for egg wash). Milk thins out the egg wash and adds shine.
## Equipment Needed:
* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* 9-inch Pie Plate or Deep-Dish Baking Dish
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Mixing Bowl
* Whisk or Fork
## Step-by-Step Instructions:
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Cheesy Beef Crescent Roll Pie:
**Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling**
1. **Brown the Ground Beef:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. **Drain Excess Grease:** Once the beef is fully browned, drain off any excess grease. This helps prevent the pie from becoming greasy.
3. **Add Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. **Stir in Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste:** Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. **Season the Filling:** Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer the beef filling for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
**Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Unroll Crescent Roll Dough:** Open one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it. Separate the dough into triangles.
3. **Arrange Dough in Pie Plate:** Arrange the crescent roll triangles in the bottom of the pie plate or baking dish, overlapping the edges slightly. Press the seams together to create a solid bottom crust. You may need to stretch the dough slightly to cover the entire bottom.
4. **Unroll Second Can of Dough:** Open the second can of crescent roll dough and unroll it. Do not separate into triangles. Instead, lay the whole sheet over the beef mixture.
5. **Press and Seal the Edges:** Carefully press the top sheet of crescent roll dough around the rim of the pie plate to seal the edges to the bottom crust. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
**Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie**
1. **Pour Filling into Crust:** Pour the prepared beef filling into the crescent roll crust.
2. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef filling.
3. **Prepare Egg Wash:** In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash.
4. **Brush with Egg Wash:** Brush the top of the crescent roll crust with the egg wash. This will help it brown beautifully in the oven.
5. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
6. **Cool Slightly:** Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
## Tips and Variations:
* **Add Vegetables:** For extra nutrients and flavor, add chopped vegetables to the beef filling. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots are all great additions. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef filling or use a spicy cheese blend.
* **Use Different Ground Meat:** You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
* **Add Beans:** A can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans can add protein and fiber to the filling.
* **Cream Cheese Layer:** For an extra creamy and decadent pie, spread a layer of softened cream cheese on top of the bottom crust before adding the beef filling.
* **Seasoning Variations:** Experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. Try adding chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika.
* **Make it Mini:** Use muffin tins to create individual mini crescent roll pies. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the pie just before serving.
## Serving Suggestions:
This Cheesy Beef Crescent Roll Pie is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete the meal:
* **Salad:** Serve with a side salad for a lighter and refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and flavorful accompaniments.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For a truly comforting meal, serve with mashed potatoes.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and tangy element to the meal.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a simple and delicious side dish.
## Storage Instructions:
* **Refrigerator:** Leftover Cheesy Beef Crescent Roll Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal (as the crust can become a bit soggy), you *can* freeze leftover pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate):
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams per serving
* Fat: 25-35 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving
## Why This Recipe Works:
This Cheesy Beef Crescent Roll Pie recipe is a winner for several reasons:
* **Ease of Preparation:** The use of crescent roll dough eliminates the need for making a traditional pie crust, saving time and effort.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of savory ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and melty cheese creates a truly satisfying and comforting dish.
* **Versatility:** The recipe can be easily customized with different vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings to suit your preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This pie is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
* **Affordable:** The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
* **Can I use different cheese?** Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are all great options.
* **Can I make this vegetarian?** Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a vegetarian ground meat substitute.
* **Can I add more vegetables?** Yes, you can add any vegetables you like to the beef filling. Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and carrots are all great choices.
* **How do I prevent the crust from burning?** If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
* **Can I make this ahead of time?** You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the pie just before serving.
* **Why is my crust soggy?** Make sure to drain the ground beef well after browning to remove excess grease. Also, avoid overfilling the pie with the beef mixture.
## Conclusion:
This Cheesy Beef Crescent Roll Pie is a fantastic recipe that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal. With its flaky crescent roll crust, savory beef filling, and melty cheese topping, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort!
Enjoy!