Imagine this: It’s a crisp autumn evening, your family is gathered in the living room, laughter echoes through the house, and the smell of something mouthwatering wafts from the oven. Or maybe it’s game day, and you’re looking for that show-stopping dish that’ll make you the MVP of the party spread. Enter the Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie — a hearty, cheesy, flavor-packed creation that combines the soul of a pizza with the comfort of a pot pie.
Inspired by the indulgent flavors of Chicago deep-dish pizza and the warm tradition of homemade pies, this recipe brings together savory meats, bubbling cheese, and a flaky golden crust. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at any gathering. And with ready-made crusts, it’s as simple as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Pizza Pie
This isn’t your average dinner recipe. This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is:
- Satisfyingly filling – With a double layer of cheese and a trio of meats, one slice is all you need (but you’ll want more).
- Incredibly versatile – Customize it with your favorite toppings or sauces.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike can’t resist the gooey cheese and savory filling.
- Perfect for leftovers – It reheats beautifully, making lunch the next day just as exciting.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday get-together, potluck, or just a comforting dinner at home, this pie is bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this savory pie so irresistible. With simple pantry staples and a few indulgent ingredients, you’ll be amazed at what you can create.
For the Crust:
- 1 box Pillsbury ready-bake pie crusts (comes with 2 rolled crusts)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the top crust)
How to Make the Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie
Let’s walk through the process step-by-step so you can confidently tackle this cheesy, meaty masterpiece.
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until they’re browned and no longer pink. Break up the meat as it cooks for even texture. Once browned, drain the excess fat and set the mixture aside.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of crushed fennel or a splash of red wine to the meat while cooking for a touch of gourmet flair.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s hot and ready once your pie is assembled.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Pie
- Roll out one pie crust and gently press it into a deep-dish pie pan or cast iron skillet.
- Layer the bottom with half of the mozzarella cheese — this acts as a barrier between the crust and the sauce, helping prevent sogginess.
- Spoon in the cooked beef and sausage mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Add a generous layer of pepperoni slices over the meat.
- Pour the pizza sauce or marinara over the meat and pepperoni, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar (or provolone) cheese.
- Add a few more pepperoni slices for good measure — because there’s no such thing as too much pepperoni.
- Place the second pie crust over the top. Press the edges together to seal, and crimp them for a decorative touch.
- Brush the top with melted butter, optionally mixed with a pinch of garlic powder or Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Place the pie on the center rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melting and bubbly. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil.
Let the pie cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set. Then dig in and watch it disappear slice by slice!
Tips for Success
1. Use a Deep-Dish Pan
This isn’t a shallow pie — the filling is rich and layered. A deep 9-inch pie dish or cast iron skillet works perfectly.
2. Customize Your Filling
- Want more veggies? Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers.
- Looking for a spicier kick? Use hot Italian sausage or spicy pepperoni.
- Going low-carb? Try using a cauliflower crust or keto-friendly dough.
3. Don’t Skip the Cheese Layering
Placing cheese at both the bottom and top not only amps up the flavor but also helps seal in the meat juices and sauce, giving you the perfect texture.
4. Let It Rest
Resist the urge to cut into the pie immediately. Resting for a few minutes lets the filling thicken, making slicing easier and less messy.
What to Serve with Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie
This rich and satisfying dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Consider:
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
- Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks
- Sparkling water or red wine
For dessert? Keep it classic with chocolate chip cookies, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even tiramisu to round out the Italian-American vibe.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stores well and may even taste better the next day.
- To store: Cover tightly with foil or place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Bake slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
You can also freeze individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then reheat from frozen at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Make It Ahead
Hosting a party or planning for the holidays? You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the pie, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a homemade crust?
Absolutely! A homemade buttery crust can elevate this dish. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of the filling.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the meat with mushrooms, black olives, spinach, or your favorite meat substitutes.
What sauce is best?
A good-quality pizza sauce or thick marinara works best. Avoid runny pasta sauces, as they may make the crust soggy.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but for best melt and flavor, freshly shredded cheese from a block is ideal.
Share the Love
This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is meant to be shared — whether at the dinner table, at your next potluck, or online with friends and family. If you make it, be sure to snap a photo and tag us on social media using #SavoryPieMagic or #HomemadePizzaPie.
Have your own twist on the recipe? We’d love to hear it in the comments below!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about combining familiar, comforting ingredients into something just a little different. This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a recipe that feels special without requiring complicated steps or rare ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together — with full bellies and happy hearts.
So go ahead. Roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal they won’t forget. Once you try it, it might just become your new favorite comfort food tradition.