Deep Hamburger Sausage Pie

This hearty Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie has become my go-to comfort dish for those nights when only a serious meat-lovers meal will satisfy. The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni creates an irresistible flavor bomb that's perfectly contained in a deep-dish crust and blanketed with melty cheese.

I first created this recipe when hosting a football watch party at my home. The aroma filling the kitchen had everyone hovering nearby, and now it's requested at nearly every gathering I host during the fall and winter months.

Ingredients

• Ground beef brings the hearty base to this pie and works best when you choose 80/20 for the right balance of flavor and juiciness
• Italian sausage adds a depth of flavor with its blend of fennel and herbs choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference
• Pepperoni delivers that classic pizza flavor and creates crispy edges when baked
• Onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation that elevates all the meat flavors
• Pizza sauce binds everything together look for a chunky variety with minimal added sugar
• Deep dish pie crust provides the perfect vessel refrigerated dough works wonderfully if you lack time for homemade
• Cheese blend creates that irresistible pull when served a combination of mozzarella with sharper cheeses provides the best flavor balance
• Italian seasoning ties all flavors together with its classic herb profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare your workspace

Preheat your oven to 375°F and ensure you have a deep dish pan ready and lightly greased. Having everything measured and prepped will make assembly much smoother.

Create the meat base

Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 7 minutes until no pink remains. The key is draining excess fat thoroughly afterward to prevent a soggy pie.

Build the flavor profile

Add your diced onion, minced garlic, and pepperoni to the meat mixture. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the pepperoni to release its oils and the onions to become translucent. This step infuses the meat with aromatic flavors.

Develop the sauce

Pour in your pizza sauce along with the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to reduce and thicken the sauce slightly so it concentrates the flavors and prevents a watery pie.

Assemble your pie

Place your pie crust in the greased deep dish pan, gently pressing it against the sides. Layer half the meat mixture on the bottom, then sprinkle with half the cheese blend. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese, finishing with a generous dusting of Parmesan on top.

Bake to perfection

Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden brown crust. If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil to protect it while the pie continues to cook through.

Rest before serving

Allow the pie to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step allows the filling to set and makes for much cleaner slices when serving.

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The Italian sausage is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered this after making it with just ground beef several times. The sausage brings in essential flavor compounds that plain ground beef lacks, creating that authentic Italian food experience that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Make Ahead Options

This pie shines as a make ahead option. You can prepare the entire pie up to the baking point, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time since you're starting with cold ingredients. The flavors actually develop and meld together overnight, making this an even more delicious option when prepared in advance.

Perfect Pairings

While substantial enough to be a meal on its own, this hearty pie pairs beautifully with lighter sides. A simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette provides the perfect acidic contrast to cut through the richness. For a complete Italian inspired meal, serve with garlic bread for soaking up any sauce and a side of steamed broccoli drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. The vegetable sides balance the hearty nature of the pie.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your pie crust seems to be getting too dark before the filling is fully heated through, place a pie shield or aluminum foil ring around the edges of the crust. This protects the delicate edges while allowing the center to continue cooking properly. For those who find their pie has excess moisture after baking, try pre cooking your pie crust for about 7 minutes before adding filling, which creates a barrier against sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure you drain the cooked meat thoroughly and simmer the sauce until it's thickened. This helps avoid excess moisture soaking into the crust.

→ Can this pie be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh the next day for the best results.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to two months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

→ What cheese varieties work best in this pie?

Shredded mozzarella is ideal, but you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or parmesan for added depth and creaminess.

→ How can I make the flavor bolder?

Add spicy sausage, extra pepperoni, or a dash of red pepper flakes, and use a robust marinara sauce for more intense flavors.