Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

This deep-dish pizza pie transforms classic pizza flavors into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that will satisfy even the most dedicated pizza lovers. The flaky pie crust encases layers of gooey cheese, savory meats, and zesty sauce for a dish that delivers all the pizza satisfaction in slice form.

I created this recipe when my pizza-obsessed family wanted something different for our Friday night dinner tradition. The first bite had everyone fighting for seconds, and now it appears on our table at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury ready bake pie crust: The convenience of premade crust saves time while still giving you that perfect flaky texture.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Use fresh mozzarella that you shred yourself for the best melting quality.
• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for the best flavor balance without excessive grease.
• Italian sausage: Adds incredible depth of flavor with its blend of herbs and spices.
• Pepperoni slices: Look for thicker cut pepperoni for more substantial flavor and texture.
• Pizza sauce or marinara: Either works well but choose one with minimal added sugar.
• Shredded cheddar or provolone cheese: Adds richness and complexity to the cheese blend.
• Italian seasoning: A time saving blend that brings classic pizza herbs together.
• Garlic powder: Infuses the entire pie with subtle garlic flavor that complements the meats.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for a pleasant warming heat.
• Melted butter: Creates that beautifully golden brown crust finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to 425°F and unwrap both pie crusts allowing them to come to room temperature for easier handling. This prevents cracking when you roll them out.

Brown The Meats:

Cook ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue until no pink remains about 7 to 8 minutes then drain thoroughly on paper towels to prevent a soggy bottom crust.

Assemble The Base Layer:

Gently roll out one pie crust and press it into your deep dish pie pan ensuring it covers the bottom and sides completely. Layer half the mozzarella cheese directly onto the crust creating a moisture barrier that helps keep the bottom crust crisp.

Create The Filling:

Spread your browned meats evenly over the cheese layer then arrange a layer of pepperoni slices. Pour pizza sauce carefully over the meat layers ensuring even coverage then sprinkle with Italian seasoning garlic powder and red pepper flakes.

Add The Top Layers:

Scatter the remaining mozzarella and the cheddar or provolone cheese over the sauce then finish with another layer of pepperoni for that classic pizza appearance.

Seal And Prepare For Baking:

Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling pressing gently around the edges to seal with the bottom crust. Trim any excess and crimp or fork press the edges. Brush the entire top with melted butter and sprinkle with a bit more garlic powder.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes watching carefully until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. The filling should be bubbling around the edges indicating it's heated through.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the pie to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the filling to set slightly making for cleaner slices and preventing tongue burns.

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My family's favorite part is always that first slice when the cheese stretches dramatically from the pie to the plate. My son once declared it was "better than delivery pizza" which in our house is the highest possible culinary compliment.

Storage Solutions

This pizza pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes rather than using the microwave which can make the crust soggy. If freezing wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Customization Ideas

Think of this recipe as a starting template for endless pizza possibilities. Try a vegetarian version with sautéed mushrooms bell peppers and spinach or go extra meaty with Canadian bacon and crumbled bacon. For cheese lovers add small pockets of ricotta throughout the filling. You can even create a breakfast version with scrambled eggs bacon and breakfast sausage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty pie with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic knots make a perfect accompaniment if you're feeding a particularly hungry crowd. For an authentic pizzeria experience serve with small bowls of crushed red pepper garlic oil and grated parmesan cheese for custom topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pie crust for this dish?

Yes, store-bought pie crust works perfectly and saves time. Just roll it out to fit your deep-dish pan.

→ What cheese pairs best with this pie?

Mozzarella and provolone are great for gooey texture, but you can also use cheddar for a sharper flavor.

→ How do I ensure my pie crust stays flaky?

Brush the top crust with melted butter before baking, and avoid over-handling the dough to keep it light.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions are great additions for extra flavor and texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let the pie cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.