Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

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There are days when all I crave is comfort food that feels indulgent, hearty, and downright satisfying. That’s exactly what led me to create this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie. Imagine all the best parts of a pizza—crispy crust, gooey cheese, zesty tomato sauce—layered with seasoned ground beef, savory sausage, and plenty of pepperoni, all baked into a deep, golden pie crust. It’s like pizza met pot pie, and the result is pure bliss.

I love making this dish when I want something that really wows at the table. The deep crust holds everything together beautifully, giving you thick, cheesy slices loaded with rich flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or when you’re entertaining and want a dish that looks impressive without requiring complicated steps. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this all along.

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Why You’ll Love This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

This pie is the ultimate comfort food: crispy edges, a cheesy center, and layers of meaty goodness that make each slice irresistible. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent but is simple enough to pull together for a weeknight meal. If you love pizza, lasagna, or hearty casseroles, this dish gives you the best of all worlds in one satisfying pie.

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What Kind of Crust Should I Use for Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie?

When it comes to the crust, you have a few options. A classic homemade pie crust works beautifully if you enjoy baking from scratch—it gives you that flaky, buttery base that holds up well under the hearty filling. Store-bought refrigerated pie crust is a lifesaver when you want to save time, and it still delivers a golden, crisp edge. For a slightly different twist, you could even use a pre-made pizza dough, which creates a chewier, bread-like base. Whichever option you choose, just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle all the layers of meat and cheese.

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Options for Substitutions

This pie is versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your taste:

• Meat: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage if you want a different flavor profile.
• Pepperoni: Try salami, chorizo, or even veggie pepperoni for a lighter version.
• Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses can add more depth.
• Sauce: Stick with marinara for traditional flavor, or switch to a spicier arrabbiata or creamy tomato sauce for a twist.
• Crust: Gluten-free crusts or low-carb alternatives (like almond flour crusts) work if you’re following specific diets.

With a few swaps, this recipe can fit just about any craving or dietary preference without losing its soul-satisfying charm.

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Ingredients for Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

• Pie Crust – The sturdy base that holds all the layers of meat, cheese, and sauce together.
• Ground Beef – Adds rich, hearty flavor and bulk to the filling.
• Italian Sausage – Brings a savory, spiced kick that balances beautifully with the beef.
• Pepperoni Slices – Classic pizza flavor with a slightly smoky, salty taste that crisps perfectly on top.
• Mozzarella Cheese – The essential melty, stretchy layer that makes each bite irresistibly cheesy.
• Parmesan Cheese – Sharp, nutty notes that deepen the overall flavor.
• Tomato Sauce (Marinara) – A tangy, savory layer that ties everything together.
• Onion & Garlic – Simple aromatics that enhance the meat filling with depth and fragrance.
• Olive Oil – Used for sautéing, ensuring the meat and aromatics cook evenly without sticking.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that infuses the filling with classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer just right.

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven and fit the pie crust into a deep-dish pie pan. Crimp the edges for a decorative finish, then blind bake it for a few minutes to prevent a soggy bottom.

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Step 2: Cook the Meats

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until the meat is browned and flavorful. Drain excess grease.

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Step 3: Layer the Base

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the baked crust. Sprinkle a bit of mozzarella and Parmesan to create a cheesy foundation that locks in flavor.

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Step 4: Add the Filling

Spoon the cooked meat mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Press it down gently so it fills the pie without leaving air pockets.

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Step 5: Build the Cheese & Pepperoni Layers

Add more mozzarella over the meat, followed by a generous layer of pepperoni slices. Repeat with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni until the pie is filled to the brim, finishing with a decorative top of pepperoni and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

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Step 6: Bake the Pie

Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake until the crust is golden, the cheese is bubbling, and the pepperoni edges are crisped to perfection.

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Step 7: Rest and Slice

Allow the pie to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, giving you neat, hearty slices without everything spilling out.

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How Long to Cook the Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

This pie bakes best at 375°F (190°C) for about 35–40 minutes. The crust should be golden, the cheese melted and bubbling, and the pepperoni slightly crisp around the edges. If you find the crust browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning while the filling finishes cooking.

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Tips for Perfect Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

• Blind bake the crust first – This step keeps the bottom from turning soggy under all the sauce and cheese.
• Drain the meat well – Extra grease can make the filling heavy and oily, so let the cooked beef and sausage rest on paper towels before layering.
• Use a deep-dish pan – A standard pie dish might overflow; a deeper one gives enough space for all the layers.
• Layer strategically – Starting with sauce and cheese before adding meat prevents dryness and ensures every bite has balance.
• Let it rest before slicing – Give the pie 10 minutes after baking to set up so the slices hold their shape.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the blind bake – This almost always results in a soggy crust that can’t hold the filling.
• Not draining the meat – Excess grease will pool at the bottom, making the pie greasy instead of savory.
• Overloading with sauce – Too much sauce can cause the layers to slide apart and the crust to collapse.
• Using a shallow dish – The filling will spill over, creating a mess and uneven cooking.
• Cutting too soon – Slicing while it’s piping hot causes the cheese and sauce to run out instead of staying neatly layered.

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What to Serve With Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie?

1. Garlic Bread

Buttery, crisp garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick to soak up extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons balance out the richness of the pie.

3. Roasted Vegetables

A tray of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli adds a healthy, colorful touch.

4. Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty pie.

5. Antipasto Platter

Olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats pair beautifully with the Italian flavors.

6. Creamy Coleslaw

Cool and crunchy coleslaw lightens up the meal while adding a tangy bite.

7. Minestrone Soup

A warm, brothy soup complements the richness without being too heavy.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this pie disappears fast), store them properly to keep the flavors fresh. Allow the pie to cool completely before covering it with foil or transferring slices to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing; they’ll last up to 2 months. To reheat, bake slices at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option, though the crust will be crispier if reheated in the oven.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per slice, based on 8 servings:

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 980mg

Keep in mind these values are estimates and will vary depending on the crust type, cheese blend, and any substitutions you make.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze the pie before baking?

Absolutely! Assemble the pie, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding about 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.

3. What cheese works best for this pie?

Mozzarella is the classic choice, but combining it with provolone or Parmesan adds depth and more meltiness.

4. How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Blind baking the crust first and draining the cooked meat thoroughly are the best ways to ensure a crisp bottom.

5. Can I make this pie spicy?

Yes! Use hot Italian sausage, add red pepper flakes to the sauce, or swap regular pepperoni for spicy pepperoni.

6. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. Most kids love the pizza-like flavors. You can tone down spices if needed.

7. Can I make it low-carb?

Yes, you can use a cauliflower crust or omit the crust entirely and bake the filling in a casserole dish for a “crustless” version.

8. How many people does this pie serve?

One deep-dish pie usually serves 6–8 hearty slices, depending on appetites.

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Conclusion

Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is the kind of recipe that makes everyone at the table smile. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, while still being flexible enough to adapt to your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for a fun twist on pizza night, or just craving something deeply satisfying, this pie is a guaranteed hit. Once you make it, you’ll probably find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation—it’s that good.

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