Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 box ready-made pie crust (2 crusts)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for brushing crust)
For the Filling
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup pepperoni slices, divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup cheddar or provolone cheese, shredded
- 1½ cups pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together, breaking it up 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.
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 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.
- First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom crust.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Butter and Bake: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Brush this mixture generously over the entire top crust and edges. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. (Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.)
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pie rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Cut into wedges and serve hot.
Notes
- For an extra crispy bottom crust, consider blind baking the bottom crust for 8 minutes before adding fillings.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or onions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- For a shortcut version, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or Italian sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Category: Hearty Mains
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
