Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Italian Sausage Pie?
It is a savory twist on shepherd's pie featuring bulk pork sausage, tomatoes, herbs, and a cheesy mashed potato topping.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie should bake for 50 to 55 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
What kind of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of raw bulk pork sausage.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
Grated cheddar cheese is used for both the filling and the mashed potato topping.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use 4 servings of instant mashed potatoes or 2 cups of homemade mashed potatoes.
How long should the pie cool before serving?
Allow the pie to cool for approximately 15 minutes before slicing.
What size pie shell is required?
You will need one 9-inch unbaked pie shell.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The pie is seasoned with dried oregano, whole caraway seeds, and paprika.
How much garlic should be added?
The recipe requires 4 chopped garlic cloves.
Do I need to drain the fat from the sausage?
Yes, drain any excess fat after browning the pork sausage in the skillet.
Is the pie shell pre-baked?
No, the recipe uses an unbaked pie shell.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes sliced green onions, garlic, and stewed tomatoes.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
Is this a high-protein dish?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, it is easy to prepare ahead of time and bake just before you are ready to serve.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 23.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this pie?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of the paprika?
Paprika is sprinkled over the mashed potatoes for added color and flavor.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 3 beaten eggs.
Should the stewed tomatoes be drained?
No, add the canned stewed tomatoes along with their juice.
How should the mashed potatoes be applied?
Spoon or pipe the cheesy mashed potato mixture around the outer edges of the pie to create a decorative border.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a hearty and comforting savory pie.
What are the main flavor profiles?
The flavors are savory and aromatic, featuring Italian sausage, garlic, and cheddar cheese.
What is the fiber content?
There is 2g of fiber per serving.
How much caraway seed is needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of whole caraway seeds.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of green onions sliced into 1/2 inch pieces.
Why is the pie baked on a baking sheet?
Placing it on a baking sheet helps catch any drips that might occur during the baking process.
What is the recommended preparation for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be chopped and sauteed with the green onions until fragrant.