How to Make Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory meats wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen remains one of my most treasured childhood memories. Standing on a wooden stool beside her, I’d watch in awe as she transformed simple ingredients into what our family affectionately called the “Sunday Special” – a hearty Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie that brought everyone running to the table. This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie recipe I’m sharing today is inspired by those cherished moments, but with my own contemporary twist.

Did you know that according to recent food trend reports, comfort food searches increased by 67% during challenging times, with pizza-inspired dishes ranking in the top three most sought-after recipes? It’s no wonder that this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie has become one of my blog’s most requested recipes!

Why Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie Matters

When we talk about true comfort food that satisfies the soul, few dishes can compete with a well-crafted Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie. This Italian-American fusion masterpiece combines the hearty satisfaction of a deep-dish pizza with the structured elegance of a traditional pie. The layers of flavor create an experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

For those looking to perfect this recipe, I highly recommend checking out the Pillsbury Ready-to-Bake Pie Crust Guide for foolproof crust options that save time without sacrificing quality. The marinara sauce is crucial to this recipe – browse some excellent options in these Best Marinara Sauce Recipes. If you enjoy hearty, family-friendly meals like this one, you might also love my Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole or the crowd-pleasing Million Dollar Lasagna.

Ingredients for Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

• 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade equivalent)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 ounces sliced pepperoni (about 40 slices)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Substitution options:

• Ground turkey can replace ground beef for a leaner option
• Plant-based ground meat substitute works for a vegetarian version
• Turkey pepperoni offers a lighter alternative
• Dairy-free cheese substitutes work well for lactose-intolerant diners

Ingredient Spotlight

Pie Crust: The foundation of our Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie provides structure while creating that perfect flaky contrast to the hearty filling. Using refrigerated crusts saves time without compromising texture, but feel free to make your own if you prefer.

Three-Meat Blend: The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni creates a complex flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The beef provides a solid base flavor, the sausage adds aromatic herbs and spices, while the pepperoni contributes that distinctive tangy zip.

Cheese Trio: Each cheese plays a crucial role – mozzarella brings that signature stretch and mild creaminess, ricotta adds moisture and lightness, while Parmesan introduces a savory umami depth that ties everything together.

Marinara Sauce: This isn’t just a moistening agent – a good marinara adds acidity that balances the richness of the meats and cheeses while contributing complex tomato flavor that complements the Italian herbs.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 70-75 minutes

This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie comes together about 30% faster than traditional lasagna with similar flavors, making it perfect for weeknight family dinners when you want maximum impact with manageable effort. The active hands-on time is just 25 minutes, with the oven doing most of the heavy lifting.

Instructions

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Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring the pie crusts to room temperature according to package directions. I like to organize all ingredients before starting – this “mise en place” approach saves time and reduces stress during assembly.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. When the meat is about halfway cooked (about 4-5 minutes), add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat – my grandmother’s trick was using a slice of bread to absorb grease without losing flavor!

Step 3: Season and Enhance

Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. The filling should be moist but not runny – if it seems too wet, let it simmer a bit longer.

Step 4: Prepare the Pie Crust

Unroll one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch deep dish pie plate. Press it firmly against the bottom and sides. For an extra-crisp bottom, brush the bottom crust lightly with beaten egg and bake for 5 minutes before adding filling. This “blind baking” step prevents sogginess.

Step 5: Layer the Filling

Spread half of the meat mixture over the bottom crust. Layer half of the pepperoni slices over the meat, then sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese in small portions across the surface. Repeat layers with remaining meat mixture, pepperoni, and cheeses. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Complete the Pie

Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges together to seal. Cut 4-5 small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on the crust adds flavor and beautiful texture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil. Let the pie rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting – this crucial resting period allows the layers to set.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

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   Temperature Matters: Ensure all refrigerated ingredients come to room temperature before assembly for even cooking.

   
   
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   Cheese Strategy: Reserve about 1/4 cup of mozzarella to sprinkle between the meat and top crust for an extra gooey middle layer that helps bind the filling together.

   
   
3. 
   

   Crust Protection: Create a foil shield for the crust edges during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning while ensuring the bottom cooks thoroughly.

   
   
4. 
   

   Flavor Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the meat mixture for a deeper, more concentrated flavor profile that stands up to the robust cheeses.

   
   
5. 
   

   Clean Slices: Let the pie rest a full 15 minutes and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts for picture-perfect slices that hold their shape.

   
   

Recipe Variations & Substitutions for Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Mediterranean Version: Replace the pepperoni with diced sun-dried tomatoes, add kalamata olives, and substitute feta for some of the mozzarella for a Greek-inspired variation.

Spicy Southwest: Add a diced jalapeño, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and incorporate corn and black beans for a southwestern twist.

Veggie-Forward: Double the bell peppers and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini while reducing the meat by half for a more vegetable-rich option.

Lower-Carb Option: Use a cauliflower-based crust or create a crustless version in a casserole dish, focusing on the flavorful filling.

Behind the Recipe

This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie was born during a particularly cold winter when I wanted to create something that combined my family’s love for pizza with the hearty satisfaction of a pot pie. The first attempt was admittedly a bit of a disaster – too watery with a soggy bottom! But after several refinements and consulting my grandmother’s old recipe cards, I perfected this version that’s become a treasured favorite at family gatherings.

What makes this recipe special is the balance between structure and indulgence. The crisp, flaky crust contains a filling that delivers all the satisfaction of a supreme pizza but in an elegant, sliceable form that feels more special than everyday pizza night.

Pairing Ideas

Serve your Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil – the peppery greens and bright acidity perfectly balance the rich, savory pie. A sparkling water with lemon or a chilled berry iced tea complements the robust flavors without competing with them.

For a full Italian-inspired meal, consider serving with roasted garlic bread and a side of steamed broccoli tossed with olive oil and lemon zest.

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

Day-old Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie can be transformed into incredible new meals:

• Cube leftover pie and toast it in the oven, then use as hearty croutons on a Caesar salad
• Warm a slice and top with a fried egg for an extraordinary breakfast
• Chop into small pieces and use as filling for twice-baked potatoes
• Break up leftovers and simmer with additional marinara and beef broth for a quick, flavorful soup

Nutritional Information

One serving (1/8 of pie) contains approximately:

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg

Serving Suggestions

Present your Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie on a wooden board with a rustic bread knife for dramatic effect. Pre-slice but keep pieces together for a beautiful presentation that makes serving easy. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of oregano for color contrast.

For a family-style meal, place the whole pie in the center of the table with serving utensils and small plates for everyone to help themselves – this creates a convivial, shared dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading the Pie: Too much filling can cause the top crust to dome and crack. Stick to the recommended amounts for a perfectly proportioned result.

Skipping the Rest Time: Cutting immediately after baking results in filling that spills out everywhere. Patient waiting leads to clean, defined slices.

Under-seasoning the Meat: Because there are multiple components, each layer needs proper seasoning. Taste and adjust your meat mixture before assembling.

Soggy Bottom Syndrome: Not pre-cooking the filling enough leaves excess moisture that can make the bottom crust soggy. Ensure your filling is relatively thick before assembly.

Uneven Crimping: A poorly sealed edge can lead to filling leakage during baking. Take extra time to properly join and crimp the two crusts together.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, place paper towels under and over the pie to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing: This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating: For the crispest results, reheat refrigerated slices in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes rather than using the microwave. If reheating from frozen, add an additional 10-15 minutes.

FAQs About Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

How can I make Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake the pie the day you plan to serve it for the freshest result.

Can I freeze unbaked Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie?
Yes! Assemble the pie completely, but don’t brush with egg wash. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best cheese ratio for Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie?
The ideal ratio is 2:1:1/2 for mozzarella:ricotta:Parmesan. This provides the perfect balance of stretch, creaminess, and sharp flavor.

Can I make mini Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pies?
Absolutely! Use a muffin tin lined with small circles of pie crust. Reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes for individual portions.

How do I prevent the Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie from becoming too greasy?
Use lean ground beef (at least 90% lean), drain meat thoroughly after cooking, and consider blotting pepperoni between paper towels before adding it to the pie.

Conclusion

The Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie brings together the best elements of Italian-American cuisine in a format that’s both comforting and impressive. What makes this recipe special is its versatility – perfect for casual family dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining. The combination of three meats with three cheeses creates depth of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Made these Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie? Drop your twist in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us on facebook, instagram with #erinrecipes — we might feature your creation!

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