Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Looking to shake things up in your kitchen without spending hours cooking? Well, I’ve got a game-changer for you – pie for dinner! And no, I’m not talking about having dessert for your main course (though I wouldn’t judge if you did). I’m talking about savory pies that are hearty delicious and perfect for any weeknight meal.
Let me tell you when I first started making savory pies for my family, they were skeptical. “Pie is for dessert” they said. But after one bite of my chicken pot pie, those doubters became believers! Now, savory pies are a staple in our dinner rotation.
Why Pie Should Be Your Next Dinner Hero
Before I dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why savory pies deserve a spot on your dinner table:
- One-dish wonder: Most dinner pies contain protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish!
- Make-ahead friendly: Many can be prepped ahead and baked when needed
- Leftovers taste amazing: Sometimes even better the next day
- Comfort food level: Off the charts!
- Versatility: From traditional meat pies to vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone
One reader commented, “I made the Shepherd’s Pie last night and my picky kids cleaned their plates! That’s basically a miracle in our house.”
Classic Savory Pies That Never Disappoint
1. Chicken Pot Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Is there anything more comforting than breaking through a flaky, golden crust to reveal a creamy chicken filling? I think not! The classic chicken pot pie combines tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a savory gravy all baked underneath a buttery pastry crust.
What makes a great chicken pot pie? It’s all about balance – the right amount of sauce (not too runny, not too thick), properly seasoned filling, and of course, that perfect crust. Whether you go for a double-crust version or just a top crust, this dinner pie is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Pro tip: Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor!
2. Shepherd’s Pie: A Hearty Family Favorite
While technically not a “pie” in the traditional sense (it uses mashed potatoes instead of pastry), Shepherd’s Pie definitely deserves a mention here. This dish features seasoned ground lamb (or beef if you’re making Cottage Pie) topped with creamy mashed potatoes that get golden and crispy in the oven.
What I love about Shepherd’s Pie is how adaptable it is. You can load it up with whatever veggies you have on hand – carrots, peas, corn, even mushrooms work great. And the potato topping? That’s your canvas for creativity! Add cheese, herbs, or even horseradish for an extra kick.
3. Beef Pot Pie: Rich and Satisfying
When you’re craving something truly substantial, beef pot pie delivers. Made with chunks of tender beef slowly simmered until melt-in-your-mouth perfect, this pie is dinner goals. Some versions even use Guinness or red wine in the gravy for an extra layer of flavor.
My family goes crazy for beef pot pie on cold winter nights. There’s something about breaking through that flaky crust to reveal the rich, steaming filling underneath that just feels like home.
Unexpected Savory Pies That’ll Blow Your Mind
4. Cheeseburger Pie: Fast Food Meets Home Cooking
Yes, you read that right! All the flavors of your favorite fast food transformed into a delicious dinner pie. With a base of seasoned ground beef topped with melty cheese and classic burger toppings, this pie is a fun twist on an American classic. Some versions even use a hashbrown crust for extra deliciousness!
5. Taco Pie with Masa Crust: Taco Tuesday Upgrade
Talk about a fusion dish! This ingenious creation combines the flavors of tacos with pie structure. The masa crust gives it an authentic corn tortilla flavor, while the spiced beef filling delivers all those taco flavors you crave. Top it with your favorite taco fixings after baking, and you’ve got a dinner that’ll make everyone happy.
6. Spaghetti Pie: Italian Night Reimagined
This clever pie uses spaghetti as the base! Mixed with eggs and cheese to hold it together, the pasta forms a “crust” that’s then filled with sauce, meat, and more cheese. It’s like a cross between spaghetti and lasagna, all in pie form. My kids absolutely love this one!
Vegetarian Pies That Even Meat-Lovers Will Devour
7. Butternut Squash Pie with Caramelized Onions
Don’t sleep on vegetarian pies! This butternut squash pie with caramelized onions and feta is bursting with flavor. The sweetness of the squash and onions balances perfectly with the salty feta cheese. Even my carnivore husband asks for seconds when I make this one.
8. Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie
For the ultimate comfort food that happens to be meatless, try a mushroom and sweet potato potpie. The mushrooms provide that satisfying umami flavor while sweet potatoes add color and nutrients. Top it with puff pastry for an elegant touch.
9. Spinach and Artichoke Quiche
If you love spinach-artichoke dip, you’ll go crazy for this quiche! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with veggies. The best part? It works for any meal of the day – breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Quick and Easy Pies for Busy Weeknights
10. Skillet BBQ Beef Potpie
When you need dinner in a hurry, this skillet potpie comes to the rescue. Using leftover stuffing as the topping is pure genius, and the BBQ-flavored filling comes together in minutes. It’s like comfort food with a twist!
11. Hand Pies: Portable Dinner Solutions
Hand pies are perfect for busy families! These individual portioned pies can be made ahead and even frozen. From ham and cheese to supreme pizza fillings, the possibilities are endless. Plus, kids love having their own personal pie!
12. Puff Pastry Tarts: Elegant But Easy
When you need something that looks fancy but takes minimal effort, puff pastry tarts are the answer. Top store-bought puff pastry with cheese and seasonal vegetables for a dinner that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant. My go-to combinations are:
- Tomato, goat cheese, and herbs
- Zucchini with Boursin cheese
- Caramelized onion with gruyere
How to Create Your Own Dinner Pie
The beauty of dinner pies is that you can easily create your own based on what you have in the fridge. Here’s my simple formula:
- Choose your crust: Traditional pie crust, puff pastry, mashed potatoes, or even hash browns
- Pick a protein: Chicken, beef, pork, or go vegetarian with beans or lentils
- Add vegetables: Whatever’s in season or in your freezer
- Create a sauce: Gravy, cheese sauce, or a simple seasoned mixture of broth and cream
- Don’t forget seasonings: Herbs and spices make all the difference
My “anything-goes” savory pie approach has saved dinner countless times when I’m staring at random ingredients wondering what to make!
Tips for Pie-Making Success
After years of making dinner pies, I’ve learned a few tricks:
- Blind bake the bottom crust for quiches and custard-based pies to prevent sogginess
- Cool meat fillings before adding to your crust to prevent a soggy bottom
- Egg wash your top crust for that beautiful golden shine
- Cut vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape
- Rest your pie for 10-15 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices
Make-Ahead and Freezing Options
One of the best things about dinner pies is how well they work for meal prep:
- Assemble and refrigerate: Most unbaked pies can be assembled a day ahead
- Freeze before baking: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months
- Freeze after baking: Individual portions make great emergency meals
- Make extra filling: Freeze the filling alone for even quicker future dinners
I often make two pies at once – one for dinner that night and one for the freezer. Future me is always grateful!
Whether you’re cooking for a family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself to something special, savory pies deserve a place in your dinner rotation. They’re versatile, comforting, and have that special something that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable one.
So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember: pie isn’t just for dessert! From classic chicken potpie to innovative taco pie, there’s a savory pie out there with your name on it.
What’s your favorite pie for dinner? I’d love to hear about your go-to recipes and any creative twists you’ve come up with!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a butternut squash pie in the oven that’s calling my name…
Supreme Pizza Hand Pies
A rich supreme pizza filling is sandwiched between flaky pie dough, brushed with parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, and then baked off to make for a flaky iteration of pizza night! Supreme Pizza Hand Pies work just as well for dinner, or even for a fun lunchbox treat for the kids.
Jalapeño Popper Hand Pies
Sometimes, the biggest flavors come in the tiniest packages, and these Jalapeño Poppers prove just that. Creamy cheese blended with a mild jalapeño filling and baked inside of the flakiest pastry; this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The EASIEST Shepherd’s Pie Recipe You Will Ever Make!
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