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Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie is comfort food at its cheesiest with a golden crust and layers of gooey cheese, savory meat, and spicy pepperoni. It is a crowd-pleaser for game days or gatherings and just the thing when your family wants something cozy that is more than the usual pizza.
My family started requesting this after a Sunday football party and now it is my go-to whenever we need a bit of indulgent comfort food. Nothing brings everyone to the table faster than the smell of it baking.
Ingredients
- Ready-bake pie crusts: two total about 450 grams These save time and give you a perfectly flaky golden base and lid Buy the kind that is not overly sweet for savory pies
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: about 200 grams Melts beautifully and stretches in every bite Choose a brand with simple ingredients for the best flavor
- Shredded cheddar cheese or provolone cheese: about 100 grams Adds tang and richness I love using mild cheddar for extra meltiness
- Ground beef: 225 grams Use beef with a bit of fat for flavor opting for eighty or eighty five percent lean
- Italian sausage: 225 grams Casings removed if needed The sausage brings extra seasoning and depth Look for one with fresh herbs and a hint of spice
- Pepperoni slices: 100 grams Classic flavor with just the right amount of heat and crisp edges as they bake Buy a whole stick and slice it yourself if you can
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce: 350 ml The sauce ties everything together Choose a thicker style sauce for less sogginess
- Italian seasoning: Adds herbal notes with oregano basil and thyme Use a blend without salt if you want to control seasoning
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon plus more for topping Infuses the crust and filling with a gentle heat
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a touch of heat Sprinkle more on top for spice lovers
- Melted butter: 45 ml For brushing over crust to create a shiny soft finish and dial up flavor Use real butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Meats:
- Cook ground beef and Italian sausage together in a skillet over medium heat frequently breaking them up with a spatula Continue until fully browned and cooked through with no pink remaining around eight minutes Drain off all extra fat and let the meats cool just enough to handle
- Prep the Pan and Oven:
- Heat your oven to two twenty degrees Celsius or four twenty five Fahrenheit Gently unroll one pie crust and nestle it into your deep dish pie pan or skillet pressing it into the bottom and sides Trim any large overhang but leave some for sealing later
- Build the Cheese Layer:
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella across the bottom crust making sure it is evenly spread to form a cushion for the meat
- Layer the Meats and Pepperoni:
- Scatter the cooled ground beef and sausage mixture over the mozzarella Add half of the pepperoni slices on top Try to tuck them evenly so every slice of pie gets some of everything
- Add the Sauce and Spices:
- Drizzle the pizza or marinara sauce evenly over the meat and pepperoni Use the back of a spoon to smooth it into an even thick layer Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder plus red pepper flakes to taste
- Top with More Cheese and Pepperoni:
- Cover everything with the remaining mozzarella and the cheddar or provolone cheese Layer on the rest of the pepperoni slices for a crisp and flavorful finish
- Seal and Finish the Pie:
- Place the second pie crust over the filling Tuck and crimp the edges firmly to seal so nothing leaks Brush the top generously with melted butter and dust with more garlic powder if desired Use a sharp knife to cut a few small vents for steam
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Transfer the pie to the oven and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes Start checking after eighteen minutes The crust should be a deep golden brown and you may see cheese bubbling through the vents Let the pie rest for five minutes before slicing to allow everything to set
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This pie is always the centerpiece of our family movie nights I love how the cheddar melts into every nook mixing with the rich sauce and spicy pepperoni My kids cannot decide which part they love more the gooey cheese or the crispy buttery crust
Storage Tips
Wrap leftover pie slices in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy For longer storage you can freeze fully baked cooled slices and reheat straight from the freezer
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a lighter twist Try spicy chorizo instead of Italian sausage for extra zing You can use part skim mozzarella or vegan cheese if you need a dairy free version The crust works just as well with a gluten free pie crust for special diets
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Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie hot from the oven in thick wedges with a crisp green salad or a handful of sweet cherry tomatoes It is great for parties as you can cut into small squares to feed a crowd For extra heat leave out some hot sauce or pepperoncini on the side
Cultural Notes
Deep dish savory pies have roots in classic American diner cooking but this version takes heavy cues from Chicago style pizza and classic Italian pizzeria flavors The combination of meats and cheese is beloved across regions and reminds me of festive family meals
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for this pie?
Shredded mozzarella offers meltiness, while cheddar or provolone adds depth and extra flavor to the cheesy layers. A blend brings balance to each bite.
- → Can I replace Italian sausage with another type of meat?
Yes, you may swap Italian sausage for mild breakfast sausage, ground turkey, or even spicy chorizo for a unique twist.
- → How can I avoid a soggy pie crust?
Pre-cooking meats thoroughly, draining excess fat, and using cheese as a barrier between crust and filling help prevent sogginess.
- → Are there vegetarian options for this filling?
Substitute the meats with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or plant-based sausage alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The crust will be deep golden brown, and you should see bubbling cheese and sauce through vents or around edges. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Assemble and refrigerate before baking. When ready, bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to ensure thorough heating.