If you’ve ever wished you could combine all the best parts of a pizza—meaty toppings, gooey cheese, zesty sauce—into a single, hearty pie, you’re in for a treat. This Ultimate Deep Dish Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie delivers that deep-dish satisfaction: a flaky pie crust cradles layers of seasoned ground beef, savory sausage, melting mozzarella and cheddar, and rounds of turkey pepperoni, all brought together with Italian seasoning and a ribbon of marinara. It bakes up golden and bubbly, then stands up to slicing much like a quiche—making it as fun to eat with a fork as it is to admire when it comes out of the oven.
I first discovered the magic of this deep-dish format at a neighborhood potluck where someone arrived with what looked like a pizza—but tasted like a savory meat pie. After reverse-engineering their recipe, I refined the seasoning, added the dual-cheese layer, and learned that a quick egg-wash on the crust yields a professional gleam. Since then, it’s become my signature dish for game-day gatherings, family dinners, and anytime I want a one-pan meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward.
In Part 1, we’ll prepare the crust and craft the flavorful meat base. You’ll preheat the oven, fit and crimp the deep-dish crust, then brown a blend of ground beef and sausage with onion and garlic. A dash of Italian seasoning, a pinch of red-pepper flakes, and a simmer with marinara transform simple ground proteins into a juicy, well-seasoned filling. By the end of these steps, you’ll have a robust meat mixture ready for layering—setting the stage for the cheese, pepperoni, and final bake in Part 2. Let’s get started.
STEPS
- Preheat and ready the crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a deep-dish pie crust—homemade or store-bought—into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Gently press the crust into the bottom and up the sides, then crimp or flute the edges to form a decorative border. Use a fork to prick the bottom all over; these vents prevent unexpected bubbling. Set the crust aside on a baking sheet or clean work surface while you prepare the filling.
- Brown the ground beef and sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and ½ pound of beef sausage (remove the casing first if using links). Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains—about 6 to 8 minutes. As the meats brown, they’ll render fat and develop those caramelized bits that contribute deep flavor.
- Add aromatics and drain
To the skillet of browned meat, add 1 small diced onion and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, stirring, until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its aroma. If there’s an excess of grease in the pan, carefully drain off most of it, leaving just enough to coat the bottom and carry flavor. - Season and simmer
Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes (omit or reduce if you prefer no heat). Pour in 1 cup of marinara or pizza sauce, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce melds with the meat and thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed—the filling should be boldly seasoned, since it forms the foundation of the pie.
Ultimate Deep Dish Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: Assembly & Baking
With your deep-dish crust prepared and the meat mixture simmered to perfection, it’s time to layer, bake, and finish your pie. In this section, we’ll assemble the layers of meat, cheese, and pepperoni, add an egg wash for a glossy crust, and bake until golden and bubbling. We’ll also share a few tips and variations to make this dish uniquely yours.
STEPS
- Layer the first half of the filling
Spoon half of the meat–sauce mixture into the bottom of the prepared pie crust, spreading it into an even layer. - Add the cheese and pepperoni
Sprinkle ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the meat. Arrange half of the turkey pepperoni rounds on top of the cheese, ensuring good coverage.
- Repeat the layers
Add the remaining meat mixture, followed by the remaining cheeses (¾ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup cheddar). Top with the remaining pepperoni. - Brush on the egg wash
Lightly brush the exposed crust edges with the beaten egg. This will give your pie a deep golden color and a slight shine when baked.
- Bake until bubbly and golden
Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake, uncovered, for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the filling bubbles at the edges, and the crust is a rich golden brown. If the crust is browning too quickly, tent the edges with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. - Rest before serving
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the filling set, making it easier to slice cleanly. - Garnish and slice
If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color. Cut into wedges and serve hot.
TIPS & VARIATIONS
- Crust alternatives
Substitute a homemade pizza dough pressed into a deep-dish pan for an even chewier, more authentic deep-dish experience. - Spice it up
Stir a pinch of red-pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne into the meat mixture for added heat. - Vegetable boost
Fold in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives with the meat for extra texture and flavor. - Cheese blend
Replace half the mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a more complex melt profile. - Mini pies
Divide the filling among individual deep-dish tart pans for personalized servings—adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes. - Make-ahead convenience
Assemble the pie through Step 6, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time. - Freezer-friendly
Wrap cooled, baked slices in foil and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
With these assembly steps, baking guidelines, and customizable ideas, your Ultimate Deep Dish Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie will deliver layers of meaty, cheesy, tomato-scented goodness that satisfy every pizza and pie craving in one decadent dish. Enjoy!
Ultimate Deep Dish Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: FAQs & Conclusion
Q1: Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely. You can substitute a homemade pizza dough pressed into the pan, a cornmeal crust, or even a refrigerated biscuit dough for a more rustic topping. Adjust bake time as needed.
Q2: My crust edges browned too quickly—how do I prevent that?
After about 20 minutes of baking, tent the crust edges with a strip of aluminum foil. This shields the dough from direct heat while allowing the center to finish cooking.
Q3: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Once cooled, cover the pie tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. For a crisp finish, briefly broil the top for 1–2 minutes.
Q4: Can I prepare this pie ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble through Step 6 (just before the egg wash) and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready, brush with egg, bake as directed, and allow the filling to bubble before removing.
Q5: What adjustments are needed for high-altitude baking?
Increase oven temperature by 15–25°F and reduce baking powder (if using homemade crust) by ¼ teaspoon. You may need to extend the bake time slightly to achieve a fully bubbly filling.
Q6: Is there a lower-fat version?
Use lean ground turkey in place of beef, turkey pepperoni or chopped veggies instead of sausage, and part-skim mozzarella. A light hand with oil and a reduced-fat crust help lower overall calories.
Q7: What side dishes pair well with this pie?
Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette, garlic-roasted broccoli, or a simple Caesar salad. A side of garlic knots or breadsticks also complements the rich, meaty filling.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Deep Dish Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie brings together the hearty flavors of ground beef, savory sausage, and pepperoni layered with two kinds of cheese and your favorite marinara, all encased in a flaky deep-dish crust. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a no-fuss dinner that blends the best of pizza and pie, this recipe delivers crowd-pleasing comfort in every slice. With tips for crust variations, make-ahead prep, and easy reheating, you’ll find this pie becomes a staple for game days, family gatherings, or any night you need a single-dish meal that satisfies big appetites. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a slice of indulgent, meaty goodness straight from the oven.
Description
This indulgent deep-dish “pie” layers three kinds of savory meat—seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, and classic pepperoni—beneath mounds of mozzarella and tangy pizza sauce, all wrapped in a buttery, golden-brown crust. It’s the ultimate comfort-food mashup of burger, sausage roll, and pepperoni pizza in one spectacular skillet bake.
For the Crust
1¼ lb (≈560 g) refrigerated or homemade pizza dough (enough to line a 10″ cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pan)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing crust)
For the Meat Filling
8 oz (225 g) ground beef
8 oz (225 g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tbsp olive oil
½ medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red-pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembly
1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
20–24 slices pepperoni
Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley, for garnish
1️⃣ Prep the pan & dough:
Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Lightly oil a 10″ cast-iron skillet or deep-dish baking pan. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a rough 12″ circle. Carefully press it into the skillet, letting the edges drape over the rim; trim excess dough or fold under to create a ½″ crust lip.
2️⃣ Brown the meats:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds more. Crumble in ground beef and sausage, season with oregano, basil, red-pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring, until no pink remains and liquid has mostly evaporated, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3️⃣ Layer the cheese:
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella evenly across the bottom of the dough.
4️⃣ Add the meat:
Spoon the browned meat mixture over the cheese, distributing it in an even layer.
5️⃣ Sauce & pepperoni:
Dollop or spread the pizza sauce over the meat. Arrange pepperoni slices in a single layer atop the sauce.
6️⃣ Top with cheese:
Cover the pepperoni with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and then the Parmesan.
7️⃣ Seal & brush crust:
Fold the overhanging dough toward the center to partially enclose the filling, leaving the center exposed. Brush the crust all over with melted butter.
8️⃣ Bake:
Place the skillet on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake 25–30 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
9️⃣ Rest & garnish:
Let the pie rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, slice into wedges, and serve warm.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble up to step 7, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 8 hours. Brush with butter just before baking.
Crust Variations: For extra richness, mix 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp grated Parmesan into the melted butter before brushing.
Sauce Swap: Use a spicy arrabbiata sauce or BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
Cheese Blend: Stir in provolone or smoked mozzarella for smoky depth.
Gluten-Free Option: Press a gluten-free pizza crust into the skillet and follow the same layering steps.
Freezer-Friendly: Bake fully, cool, then wrap the skillet (or slices) tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat at 350 °F until warmed through.
Enjoy the ultimate savory pie that’s hearty enough for dinner and fun enough for game day!
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min