Description: This hearty and satisfying deep-dish pizza pie combines the comforting flavors of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni, all nestled in a flaky crust and smothered in a generous blanket of cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring a delicious result every time. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of meaty goodness that will leave you craving more!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 20 slices pepperoni
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese as a substitute)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 deep-dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade – about 9-10 inches)
Preparation:
Before you begin, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and prepped. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the pie will bake evenly and the crust will be perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage (removed from its casings), diced onion, and minced garlic over medium heat. Break up the meat with a spatula or spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and the onions are softened and translucent.
Step 3: Once the meat is browned, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial to prevent the pie from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Add the pizza sauce (or marinara sauce) and Italian seasoning to the meat mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: While the meat mixture is simmering, prepare the cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), and a handful of the shredded mozzarella cheese (about ¼ cup). This mixture will add a creamy and cheesy layer to the pie.
Step 6: Assemble the pie. Place the deep-dish pie crust in a pie plate or baking dish. If you’re using a store-bought crust, make sure it fits snugly into the dish.
Step 7: Layer the ingredients into the pie crust in the following order: Spread the meat mixture evenly over the bottom of the crust. Next, spoon the cheese mixture over the meat mixture, spreading it out gently.
Step 8: Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese mixture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.
Step 9: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Step 10: Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Deep Dish Meaty Delight is more than just a pizza; it’s an experience. You’ll love the combination of savory ground beef, flavorful Italian sausage, and the slight spiciness of the pepperoni. The ricotta cheese adds a creamy, luscious texture that perfectly complements the meaty filling. This recipe transforms the traditional flavors of pizza into a hearty, satisfying pie. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, and easy enough for even novice cooks to master. Prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness and simplicity of this recipe!
Serving Suggestions:
This Deep Dish Meaty Delight is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with a few simple additions:
- Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce and add a touch of garlicky goodness.
- Vegetable Platter: Offer a platter of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers with a creamy dip for a healthy and colorful side.
- Dessert: Follow up with a light dessert like fruit salad or a scoop of ice cream to complete the meal.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage.
- If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese for a creamier texture.
- Add a kick of heat by including some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese would all be delicious additions.
- To prevent the crust from getting soggy, blind bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- For a crispier crust, brush it with melted butter or olive oil before baking.
- This pie can be made ahead of time. Simply assemble it, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the pie loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg
Conclusion
The Deep Dish Meaty Delight: Hamburger, Sausage, and Pepperoni Pizza Pie is a culinary adventure that brings joy to every bite. Its simple preparation, combined with its explosion of flavors, makes it a winning recipe for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be transported to a world of cheesy, meaty goodness. This recipe is not just about making a pie; it’s about creating memories and sharing delicious food with the people you love. Enjoy every slice!
Questions and Answers about This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef and Italian sausage?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You could also experiment with different types of sausage, such as chorizo or spicy Italian sausage, to add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Q2: I don’t have ricotta cheese. What can I use as a substitute?
A: If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, cream cheese makes an excellent substitute. It will provide a similar creamy texture and add a slight tang to the filling. Cottage cheese is another option, although it will have a slightly different texture.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this pie?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the pie. Some great options include sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, or olives. Simply sauté the vegetables before adding them to the meat mixture.
Q4: How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
A: To prevent a soggy crust, there are a few steps you can take. First, make sure to drain off any excess fat from the meat mixture. Second, you can blind bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This will help to set the crust and create a barrier against the moisture from the filling.
Q5: Can I freeze this pie for later?
A: Yes, this pie freezes well. Allow it to cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may need to cover it with foil to prevent the crust from browning too much.
