Homemade Sausage Pie

### Instructions

Making **Homemade Sausage Pie** is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to create a warm and delicious meal:

#### 1. **Prepare the Pie Crust**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using store-bought pie crusts, place one in a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside. If you’re making your own, roll out the dough and line your pie dish, making sure to crimp the edges to form a nice border.

#### 2. **Cook the Sausage and Vegetables**
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned and fully cooked, remove any excess grease if necessary.

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

#### 3. **Make the Filling**
Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and vegetable mixture and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the filling. Gradually add the milk while stirring to create a creamy consistency. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.

Season the mixture with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the frozen peas (if using) and let everything cook together for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

#### 4. **Assemble the Pie**
Spoon the sausage filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the filling for extra creaminess and flavor.

Place the second pie crust over the top of the filling. Trim any excess crust and pinch the edges of the crust together to seal the pie. Use a fork to gently press down the edges, and make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.

#### 5. **Bake the Pie**
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning.

#### 6. **Cool and Serve**
Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut neat slices.

### Tips for the Best Homemade Sausage Pie

– **Customize the Filling**: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can be great additions to this pie.
– **Add Spice**: If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sausage to the filling.
– **Make It Ahead**: This pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Simply assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
– **Double the Recipe**: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and make two pies. It’s just as easy, and you’ll have leftovers for the next day.

### Serving Suggestions

**Homemade Sausage Pie** pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:

– **Green Salad**: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the hearty pie.
– **Mashed Potatoes**: For a truly comforting meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes on the side.
– **Steamed Veggies**: Pair the pie with some steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added color and nutrition.
– **Garlic Bread**: Serve with warm garlic bread to scoop up any delicious filling that might escape the pie.

### Why You’ll Love This Pie

This **Homemade Sausage Pie** offers the best of both worlds: a savory, satisfying filling surrounded by a buttery, flaky crust. The sausage gives it a rich, hearty flavor, while the combination of vegetables adds freshness and balance. The creamy filling makes each bite melt in your mouth, and the crispy, golden crust adds the perfect contrast in texture.

This pie is perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or when you want to treat yourself and your family to a homemade meal that’s both comforting and delicious. Plus, it’s a great dish to make ahead, making it even easier to enjoy on busy nights!

### Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s full of flavor, **Homemade Sausage Pie** is the answer. It’s simple to prepare, hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites, and versatile enough to adapt to your personal tastes. With its perfect balance of savory sausage, vegetables, and flaky crust, this pie will quickly become a family favorite that you’ll make again and again. Enjoy!