Deep Dish Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Hero

Craving pizza but want something heartier, easier to serve, and guaranteed to impress? This Deep Dish Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie takes all your favorite pizza flavors and transforms them into an epic, satisfying pie! Layers of seasoned ground beef, zesty Italian sausage, crispy pepperoni, and a generous blend of mozzarella and cheddar/provolone cheeses are baked to golden perfection in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days, potlucks, or any time you need a truly show-stopping meal that delivers on comfort and flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another dinner; it’s an experience! Here’s why this Deep Dish Pie will become your new go-to:

• Pizza, Perfected for Sharing: Imagine all the deliciousness of a deep-dish pizza, but in an easy-to-slice, easy-to-eat pie form. No more messy slices or toppings sliding off!
• Simple Ingredients, Amazing Flavor: You won’t need a specialty store scavenger hunt for this one. All the ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store, making this a fuss-free feast.
• Feeds a Hungry Crowd: This recipe is designed to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. It’s ideal for feeding a houseful of guests with minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy the party!
• The “Holy Crap” Factor: Don’t just take our word for it! Even the most skeptical eaters will be won over by the irresistible combination of buttery crust, three different meats, and perfectly melted cheese. One bite, and you’ll understand.

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Ingredients

Ready to assemble your culinary masterpiece? Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ready-Made Pie Crust (1 box, 2 crusts): Your secret weapon for a perfectly flaky, buttery exterior without the hassle of making dough from scratch. It creates a beautiful cradle for all that savory filling.
• Three Meats (½ lb ground beef, ½ lb Italian sausage (casings removed), 1 cup pepperoni slices): This powerhouse trio delivers diverse flavor profiles and textures. Ground beef brings hearty richness, Italian sausage adds a spicy kick and depth, while pepperoni contributes that classic pizza taste with delightful crispy edges.
• Two Cheese Varieties (2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 cup shredded cheddar or provolone): Mozzarella offers that dreamy, perfect stretch and mild creaminess, while the sharper cheddar or provolone cuts through the richness with a more pronounced, savory flavor.
• Pizza Sauce or Marinara (1½ cups): The tangy base that ties all the components together, providing that essential pizza essence. Using prepared sauce saves time without sacrificing taste.
• Butter (3 tablespoons, melted) & Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): This simple mixture, brushed onto the crust before baking, transforms it into a golden, slightly crisp exterior with a hint of garlic. It’s so good, even the crust edges will disappear!
• Seasonings (1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)): These spices elevate the flavors, ensuring every bite is bursting with Italian-American deliciousness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your incredible Deep Dish Pie:

Step 1: Brown the Meats In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue until no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes). Drain off any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly. This step is crucial for deep flavor and preventing a soggy crust!

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Make sure to give your oven adequate time to reach the correct temperature before assembly.

Step 3: Prepare the Bottom Crust Unroll one of the pie crusts and carefully press it into a deep-dish pie pan (at least 2 inches deep), allowing the excess to hang over the edges. If using a standard pie dish, ensure the crust goes all the way up the sides and slightly over the edge.

Step 4: First Cheese Layer Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom crust. This layer acts as a delicious barrier, helping to prevent a soggy bottom.

Step 5: Add Meats and Pepperoni Spread the browned meat mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Arrange about ¾ cup of the pepperoni slices over the meat, reserving some for the top layer.

Step 6: Sauce and Seasonings Pour the pizza sauce or marinara evenly over the meat and pepperoni. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 7: Second Cheese Layer and More Pepperoni Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and all of the cheddar or provolone cheese. Arrange the reserved pepperoni slices on top of the cheese for an extra flavor boost.

Step 8: Top Crust and Seal Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough, leaving about ½ inch overhang. Fold the overhang under the bottom crust edge and press together firmly to seal. Crimp or flute the edge decoratively. Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 9: Butter and Bake In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Using a pastry brush, generously brush this mixture over the entire top crust and edges. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil or a pie shield.

Step 10: Rest and Serve Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial resting time allows the filling to set slightly, making it much easier to serve neat, beautiful slices. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

You Must Know

Avoid these common pitfalls for the best possible pie:

• Drain the Meat! This is non-negotiable. Skipping this step will result in a delicious filling but a structurally compromised, soggy bottom crust. Proper draining ensures a perfect balance of juicy filling and crisp crust.
• Use a Deep Dish Pan: A deep-dish pie pan (at least 2 inches deep) or even a springform pan lined with crust is essential to accommodate all the delicious layers.
• Patience is a Virtue (for Resting): That 5-minute resting period might feel long, but it’s vital! It allows the filling to set, giving you cleaner, picture-perfect slices instead of a messy plate.
• Brush that Butter! Our initial attempts lacked the golden, appetizing crust of this perfected recipe. Don’t skip the seasoned butter brush; it elevates the pie’s appearance and adds an incredible flavor to every edge piece.

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Make Ahead and Storage

Planning ahead? We’ve got you covered:

• Make Ahead:
  • Meat Mixture: Prepare the meat mixture up to two days in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
  • Assembled Pie: Assemble the entire pie (without baking) up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When baking from cold, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
  • Freezing Unbaked: You can even freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months! Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Leftover Management: Wrap individual slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat individual slices in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy.

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Seasonal Variations

This versatile pie can be adapted for any season or taste:

• BBQ Chicken Pie: Shredded rotisserie chicken, bacon, red onion, and a smoky BBQ sauce replace the traditional pizza elements for a completely different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Feast: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and black olives step in for the meat, creating a surprisingly hearty and flavorful vegetarian option.
• Greek Inspired: Spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and Kalamata olives transport this pie to the Mediterranean, offering a fresh and tangy twist.
• Breakfast Remix: Transform this into a morning-friendly option with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a weekend brunch centerpiece!

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Serving Suggestions

This hearty pie pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its rich flavors:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory, indulgent pie.
• Garlic Knots or Breadsticks: Continue the Italian-American theme with these classic pizza accompaniments.
• Dipping Sauces: For casual gatherings, offer additional pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or even a drizzle of hot honey for an interactive and customizable experience.
• Roasted Vegetables: When serving as a main dinner, roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini can help balance the meal while keeping prep simple.

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Pro Tips

Unlock the full potential of your Deep Dish Pie with these expert tips:

• Temperature Management is Key: The initial high heat setting ensures your crust bakes properly before the filling gets too hot, preventing the dreaded soggy bottom.
• Visual Cues for Doneness: Look for a beautiful golden-brown crust and filling that is hot and bubbly. These are your signs of perfection!
• Assess Texture: The filling should be hot throughout but set enough to slice cleanly. If it’s too loose, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
• Blind Bake for Extra Crispness: For an ultra-crispy bottom crust, consider blind baking the bottom crust for 8 minutes before adding any fillings.
• Cheese Barrier Trick: Sprinkling a thin layer of shredded cheese on the bottom crust before adding other ingredients creates an excellent barrier that helps prevent sogginess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I Make This Pizza Pie Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire pie up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months; just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What Type Of Pie Dish Works Best For This Recipe?

A deep-dish pie plate (at least 2 inches deep) is highly recommended to comfortably accommodate all the delicious layers. A standard 9-inch deep-dish pie plate is ideal. You could also use a springform pan lined with the pie crust for even more filling capacity and incredibly easy serving!

Can I Substitute Other Meats Or Make A Vegetarian Version?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can easily use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or even substitute plant-based meat alternatives. For a delicious vegetarian version, simply replace the meats with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and onions. The cooking method remains generally the same; just adjust seasonings to your taste.

What Sides Pair Well With This Pizza Pie?

Given how hearty this dish is, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, a side of roasted vegetables (like asparagus or broccoli), or classic garlic bread or garlic knots. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, a Caesar salad would also be a fantastic choice.

How Do I Prevent The Bottom Crust From Getting Soggy?

This is a common concern, but easily avoided!

1. Drain the Meat Thoroughly: This is crucial. Excess fat and moisture from the meat are primary culprits for a soggy bottom.
2. Blind Bake (Optional but Recommended): For an extra crisp crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust for about 8 minutes before adding the fillings.
3. Cheese Barrier: As noted in the recipe, sprinkling a thin layer of shredded mozzarella on the bottom crust before adding other ingredients creates a protective barrier that helps prevent sogginess.

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