Masters of kitchen
When you think of the ultimate comfort food, this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie deserves a crown. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together—hearty, rich, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game day bash, or just craving something indulgent and cheesy, this savory pie delivers.
So, what exactly is it? Imagine a deep-dish crust overflowing with seasoned ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, gooey cheese, and a zesty tomato sauce—all baked to golden perfection. It’s everything you love about meat-lovers pizza, but in a rustic, sliceable pie form.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your own version of this crowd-pleasing favorite. You’ll learn about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, time-saving tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and even variations to spice things up. Plus, we’ll answer all your burning questions, from crust swaps to storage tips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pie is everything you want in a comforting meal—meaty, cheesy, saucy, and rich. The layers of flavor and texture make every bite satisfying, while the mix of ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni ensures no one leaves the table hungry.
It’s perfect for big gatherings, family dinners, or meal-prepping for the week. You can even slice it into smaller portions for a potluck or party snack—it’s just that versatile!
Bonus: It’s easy to tweak to your preferences. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Going big on cheese? Throw in some ricotta. Prefer it low-carb? Use a crust alternative.
Tip: Make two and freeze one for later—this pie reheats beautifully for a quick dinner on busy nights!
Ingredients Spotlight: What You’ll Need and Why
Let’s take a closer look at the key components that make this pie so unforgettable.
Meats
-
Ground beef offers richness and body.
-
Italian sausage adds a spicy, savory depth.
-
Pepperoni brings bold, smoky flavor and a chewy bite.
Crust
-
A deep-dish pie crust holds all the filling without falling apart. Use homemade for an artisan touch, or a high-quality store-bought one for convenience.
Cheese
-
Mozzarella melts like a dream.
-
Provolone adds sharpness and creaminess.
-
Parmesan (optional) gives a nutty, salty finish.
Sauce
-
Use a thick pizza sauce or tomato-based pasta sauce for richness. A pinch of sugar or balsamic vinegar can balance acidity.
Aromatics & Seasonings
-
Onions and garlic build that irresistible aroma.
-
Italian seasoning gives it a classic herbaceous lift.
-
Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
Optional Add-Ins
-
Bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives can bring texture and sweetness. Just sauté them first to avoid extra moisture.
Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor, texture, and structure. Together, they create a pie that’s more than the sum of its parts.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
Start by browning your ground beef and Italian sausage together in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Once browned, drain excess fat—this is crucial to avoid a greasy pie.
Stir in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them soften for 2–3 minutes. Then, toss in sliced pepperoni and cook for another minute. The pepperoni will start to release its oils, adding flavor to the mix.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Pour in your pizza sauce or tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. This step is important—runny filling equals soggy crust.
Step 3: Layer It Up
Press your pie crust into a deep-dish pie pan or springform pan. Spoon in a layer of meat sauce, followed by a generous layer of cheese. Repeat with more meat and more cheese until the pie is full. You can finish with extra pepperoni or parmesan on top for a golden finish.
Pro Tip: Use a springform pan to release the pie cleanly—no sticking, no mess!
Step 4: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30–35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly browned. If needed, tent with foil in the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the pie rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and hold together beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best meat pies can go wrong. Here are a few pitfalls to dodge:
-
Not draining the meat: Excess fat can make the filling greasy and soggy.
-
Using a thin or weak crust: Go deep-dish or risk leaks.
-
Overfilling the pie: It might overflow or collapse when cut.
-
Skipping the rest period: The pie will fall apart if you cut it too soon.
Tasty Twists & Variations
Want to make this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie your own? Try one of these flavorful spins:
Spicy Lover’s Edition
Crank up the heat by swapping in hot Italian sausage and adding diced jalapeños to the filling. A dash of cayenne or a few red pepper flakes will really set things off.
Cheesier Version
Love cheese? Mix in ricotta between the meat layers for a creamy texture, or sprinkle some sharp cheddar on top before baking for extra bite.
Veggie Boost
Add sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or sliced black olives for extra texture and nutrients. Just cook off any excess moisture beforehand to avoid a soggy pie.
Mini Pies
Make it personal! Use ramekins or a muffin tin to create individual-sized pies. These are great for parties, lunchboxes, or portion control.
What to Serve With It
This hearty pie pairs perfectly with a few simple sides and bold flavors:
-
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted broccoli are classic companions.
-
For dipping, try marinara, creamy ranch, or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet kick.
-
To drink, go with a bold red wine, cold craft beer, or just your favorite soda.
Hosting Tip: Slice the pie into small wedges and stick in toothpicks—perfect for a shareable party dish!
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips
This pie is just as practical as it is delicious.
-
Make Ahead: Assemble the whole pie, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. It’ll be ready to pop in the oven when you are.
-
Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat slices individually or warm up the whole thing in the oven.
-
Freezing: Wrap the cooled pie in foil and a freezer bag, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Pro Tip: Use the oven or air fryer to reheat for the best texture—skip the microwave if you want to keep that crust crispy!
FAQs About Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie
Can I make this pie crustless for low-carb diets?
Absolutely! Just grease a pie dish and layer the filling directly inside. You might want to add an extra egg or two to help it set like a casserole.
What’s the best meat combo for rich flavor?
A 50/50 mix of ground beef and hot Italian sausage gives the best balance of richness and spice. You can also try chorizo for a smoky twist.
Can I use pizza dough instead of pie crust?
Yes, but expect a more bread-like texture. Stretch the dough into a deep-dish pan and par-bake it before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
Is it kid-friendly? Can I make it less spicy?
Definitely. Just stick with mild sausage and leave out the pepper flakes or jalapeños. The cheese and tomato flavors are usually a hit with kids!
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain the meat well, simmer the sauce until thick, and consider brushing the crust with a beaten egg before filling to create a barrier.
Can I use vegetarian substitutes for the meat?
Yes! Crumbled plant-based meat alternatives or lentil-and-mushroom mixes work great. Just be sure to season well and keep moisture levels in check.
Final Thoughts: A Slice of Hearty Satisfaction
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a big, cheesy, meat-packed slice of pie—and this one hits all the right notes. Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the tasty twists, this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is sure to win hearts (and stomachs).
Ready to dig in? Try it out and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share it with a fellow meat lover!
Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie
Equipment
- Deep-dish pie pan or springform pan
- Large Skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Cheese grater (optional)
- Foil (optional for tenting)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups pizza or marinara sauce
- 1 deep-dish pie crust homemade or store-bought
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone or cheddar optional
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan optional
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the meat: In a skillet, brown ground beef and sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add flavor: Stir in onion, garlic, and pepperoni. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Sauce it up: Add pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and any spices. Simmer until thickened, ~5–7 minutes.
- Layer the pie: Place pie crust in a greased deep-dish pan. Add half the meat mixture, sprinkle cheese, repeat.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Serve warm, with optional sides or dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage and extra pepperoni for a bolder flavor.
- Swap in ricotta or cheddar for a cheesier bite.
- To avoid soggy crust, ensure the sauce is thickened and meat is well-drained.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- Great for freezing—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
