Here’s a detailed breakdown for making Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie—a pizza-inspired, crowd-pleasing main dish that combines the best of pizza and pie! This hearty creation is loaded with savory meats, melty cheese, and classic pizza flavors, all baked into a flaky crust. Perfect for family dinners or game-day gatherings, it’s a true comfort food for pizza lovers!
Why This Recipe Works
This pie is essentially a deep-dish pizza packed with layers of ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella, making it a satisfying main course with a mix of textures and flavors. The Italian sausage and pepperoni bring classic pizza spices and a bit of heat, while the ground beef adds a meaty bite. By using a deep-dish pan and marinara sauce, you get that iconic pizza taste in a comforting pie form.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Main Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, savory base layer for the pie.
- Italian Sausage: Adds richness and a hint of spice that enhances the flavors of the pepperoni and sauce.
- Pepperoni Slices: Delivers classic pizza flavor with a bit of smoky spice, creating an irresistible layer.
- Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These vegetables add depth, sweetness, and texture to balance the meat and cheese.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly over the meats, giving that gooey, cheesy layer that pizza fans love.
- Marinara Sauce: Acts as the “sauce” layer, adding tomato flavor and moisture, which brings everything together.
- Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: Seasonings that boost the savory taste and Italian flavor profile.
- Pizza Crust: A refrigerated crust simplifies the process, but homemade dough can also be used if preferred.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a deep-dish pie pan or a pizza pan with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Meats and Vegetables
- Brown the Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage until they’re browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onion and Bell Pepper: Toss the chopped onion and green bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened. Season the mixture with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Crust
Roll out the refrigerated pizza crust on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your pan. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan, ensuring an even thickness.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Spread Marinara Sauce: Start by spreading half of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the pizza crust.
- Add Meat Mixture: Layer the cooked meat mixture evenly over the sauce.
- Add Pepperoni: Lay the pepperoni slices over the meat mixture to create an even layer.
- Top with Cheese and Sauce: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni, then add the remaining marinara sauce on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the assembled pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the crust is cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes to set, then slice and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, if desired.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Use a Deep-Dish Pan: To fully contain all the layers, use a deep-dish pie or pizza pan. This will help avoid overflow and keep the layers intact.
- Customize the Meats: Feel free to adjust the amount or types of meats based on your preference. Substitute with spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian crumbles.
- Homemade Dough Option: If you have time, homemade pizza dough adds a fresh touch. Roll out your dough to fit the pan and adjust baking time as needed.
- Let it Rest: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. This helps the layers settle and makes for cleaner slices.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley sprinkled on top enhances flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza pie is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like:
Side Salad: A fresh Caesar salad or a mixed green salad complements the rich, savory flavors of the pie.
Garlic Bread: Serve slices of garlic bread or breadsticks to make it feel like a full Italian feast.
Roasted Vegetables: Add some balance with roasted zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers on the side.
Variations
- Extra Cheese Lovers: Double the mozzarella or add a layer of provolone for an ultra-cheesy pie.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the meats with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite veggies like spinach and black olives.
- BBQ Style: Substitute marinara with BBQ sauce and replace pepperoni with smoked sausage for a smoky, tangy flavor twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare and assemble the pie in advance, then refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crust’s texture.
Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: Yes! Assemble the pie but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely. Mozzarella is classic, but you can substitute with a blend of Italian cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
The Bottom Line
The Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a unique and delicious take on traditional pizza, combining pizza’s best flavors with the texture of a savory pie. Its layers of meats, cheese, and crust make it an ideal centerpiece for pizza night or a cozy meal for friends and family. Enjoy this pizza pie hot out of the oven, and watch it quickly become a new favorite!