Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

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I’ve always had a soft spot for recipes that walk the line between comfort food and crowd-pleasing indulgence, and this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie hits that sweet spot like no other. It’s a glorious mash-up between a classic deep-dish pizza and a savory meat pie, filled with gooey layers of cheese, rich tomato sauce, spicy pepperoni, crumbled sausage, and juicy hamburger. Each bite is packed with bold flavor, hearty texture, and a cheesy stretch that’s downright irresistible.

What makes this dish a staple in my kitchen isn’t just the taste—it’s the way it brings people together. Whether I’m serving it at game night or making it on a rainy Sunday afternoon, it always disappears faster than I expect. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to put together despite its decadent appearance. If you love comfort food with a twist, this one deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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

• Over-the-top cheesy goodness: Layers of mozzarella stretch beautifully with every slice.
• A trio of meats: Ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni create a savory trifecta.
• Perfect for gatherings: It’s a showstopper that feeds a hungry crowd.
• Customizable: You can switch up the meats or crust and still end up with a delicious result.
• Filling and satisfying: One slice goes a long way thanks to its deep-dish design.

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

For this pie, I prefer using a buttery, flaky pie crust—yes, the kind you’d normally use for sweet pies. It holds up incredibly well under all the weight of the meat and cheese, and it gives a satisfying, slightly crisp bite at the edges. You could also use a deep-dish pizza dough if you’re leaning more toward a true Chicago-style pizza vibe. Either way, the key is thickness and structure: the crust needs to support all that meaty, cheesy filling without falling apart.

If you’re in a pinch, store-bought refrigerated pie crusts work perfectly fine, especially when you’re focused on getting dinner on the table fast. Just make sure you blind bake the crust slightly to prevent sogginess on the bottom.

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Options for Substitutions

There’s plenty of room to make this pie your own, especially when it comes to the meats and cheese.

• Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Sausage: You can go mild or spicy, or use a plant-based sausage if needed.
• Pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni or veggie pepperoni slices are great for lightening it up.
• Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or even a smoked gouda can add unique flavor.
• Crust: As mentioned, you can switch to a pizza dough or even a crescent roll crust for a more bread-like base.
• Sauce: Use marinara, pizza sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata if you want a little extra heat.

This pie can take just about anything you throw at it and still come out delicious.

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Ingredients for this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

• Pie Crust
  The foundation of this deep-dish masterpiece. You’ll need a thick, sturdy crust—store-bought or homemade—to hold all the gooey, meaty layers together.
• Ground Beef
  Juicy and savory, ground beef brings a classic burger-style richness that pairs perfectly with the sausage and pepperoni.
• Italian Sausage
  Adds bold, seasoned flavor with a touch of spice that elevates the entire pie. You can use mild or hot depending on your preference.
• Pepperoni Slices
  These bring that signature pizza taste and a little crispy edge on top that everyone loves.
• Mozzarella Cheese
  Essential for its melty, stretchy goodness. It binds all the layers and makes the pie irresistibly cheesy.
• Ricotta Cheese (optional but recommended)
  Adds creaminess and balances the richness of the meats. I like to spoon small dollops between layers.
• Pizza or Marinara Sauce
  Provides the juicy tomato base that ties everything together. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese
  A finishing touch for extra flavor and that golden-bubbly top.
• Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder
  For seasoning the meat and adding depth to the overall flavor.
• Olive Oil
  Just a little for browning the meats and brushing the crust if you want that golden sheen.

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Press your pie crust into a deep-dish pie pan, crimping the edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom a few times to prevent puffing. If you’re using a store-bought crust, blind bake it for about 8–10 minutes until just set—this helps avoid sogginess later.

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Step 2: Cook the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain the excess fat, then add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. Season with garlic powder and a bit of Italian seasoning. Set the cooked meat mixture aside.

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Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Start with a spoonful of marinara sauce spread across the bottom of the crust. Then add a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by a generous layer of the cooked meat mixture. Add a few spoonfuls of ricotta (if using), then more sauce, and another layer of mozzarella. Repeat the layers depending on how deep your dish is.

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Step 4: Top with Pepperoni and Parmesan

Once the layers are complete, top the pie with plenty of pepperoni slices and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For a slightly crispier top, you can lightly brush the pepperoni with olive oil.

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Step 5: Bake the Pie

Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any bubbling overflow) and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to help the layers set.

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How Long to Cook the Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. The cheese should be fully melted and bubbling, and the crust should have a nice golden edge. Letting it rest for 10 minutes before cutting is key—it helps everything firm up and makes for cleaner slices. If you skip the resting time, the cheesy layers may slide apart.

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Tips for Perfect Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

• Blind bake the crust: This prevents a soggy bottom, especially with all the sauce and cheese layered in.
• Drain the meat well: Excess grease can make the pie overly wet and heavy.
• Don’t overdo the sauce: You want just enough to add flavor without drowning the crust.
• Layer intentionally: Cheese-meat-sauce works best for even melting and flavor distribution.
• Use full-fat mozzarella: It melts better and gives that satisfying stretch.
• Watch the edges: If your crust starts browning too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through baking.
• Let it rest after baking: This helps the pie set and keeps it from falling apart when sliced.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the crust pre-bake: This is a common shortcut, but it leads to a soggy bottom. Even a partial blind bake makes a big difference.
• Overfilling the pie: It’s tempting to pack in as much as possible, but overloading can cause the pie to collapse or leak.
• Not draining meat properly: Excess grease will seep into your crust and throw off the texture.
• Undercooking the sausage: Since it’s layered in, make sure it’s fully browned before baking.
• Using too much sauce: This can overwhelm the pie and make it sloppy.
• Cutting too soon: Letting the pie cool for 10–15 minutes helps the layers hold together.
• Using low-moisture cheese only: Blend shredded and fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.

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What to Serve With Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie?

Italian Chopped Salad

A crisp salad with romaine, red onion, olives, pepperoncini, and a zesty vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the rich pie.

Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots

Classic and always a hit. These help soak up any extra sauce and add that irresistible garlicky crunch.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Slightly sweet and tangy, they pair beautifully with the savory meat filling.

Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

A simple vegetable side adds nutrition and a pop of green to your plate.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy and buttery mushrooms match the depth of the sausage and beef.

Iced Tea or Sparkling Water

Something cold and refreshing helps cut through the richness of the pie.

Lemon-Dressed Arugula

Peppery and light, this salad is a refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy filling.

Antipasto Skewers

Small bites of cheese, olives, salami, and cherry tomatoes make a fun appetizer alongside the pie.

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Storage Instructions

Once cooled, you can store leftover Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave slices individually, but reheating in the oven helps maintain the crust’s texture.

If you’d like to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note these values are approximations based on one slice (1/8 of pie):

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 980mg

This is definitely a hearty, indulgent dish, so balance it out with some lighter sides or a big salad if you’re watching portions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage works best in this pie?

Italian sausage—either mild or spicy—is ideal because of its bold, herby flavor. You can also try fennel sausage or even a breakfast-style sausage if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s going in cold.

What size pan should I use?

A deep-dish 9-inch pie pan is perfect. If you use a standard pie dish, you may need to slightly reduce the filling or risk overflow.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Absolutely. A high-quality refrigerated pie crust saves time and still bakes up beautifully. Just don’t forget to pre-bake it slightly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this pie?

Yes! Skip the meats and load it up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, onions, and bell peppers. Use extra cheese to keep that hearty texture.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Definitely. Wrap slices individually or the whole pie tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What kind of cheese works besides mozzarella?

Provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even fontina are all great alternatives. Just make sure it melts well and complements the meat.

Do I need to use ricotta?

Not at all—it’s optional. Ricotta adds creaminess and a slight tang, but the pie will still be delicious without it.

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Conclusion

This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie isn’t just a meal—it’s an event. It’s everything you love about pizza, wrapped into a golden, flaky crust and piled high with rich meats and gooey cheese. Whether you’re cooking for family, feeding a crowd, or just want leftovers that actually get better the next day, this pie delivers every time. It’s comfort food turned all the way up—and trust me, once you make it, you’ll be thinking about that next slice before you’ve even finished the first.

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