Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pie crust (9-inch, homemade or store-bought)
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or sausage mix)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare crust: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, flute edges, and set aside.
2. Cook filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes. Add ground beef, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Mix cheese layer: In a bowl, combine eggs, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and 1 cup shredded cheddar.
4. Assemble pie: Spread beef mixture evenly inside crust. Pour cheese-egg mixture on top. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella (if using).
5. Bake: Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
6. Serve: Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or thyme.

Notes