Description: This hearty Deep Dish Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie is a savory explosion of classic pizza flavors, all nestled within a flaky, golden-brown pie crust. Imagine the comforting taste of juicy ground beef, flavorful Italian sausage, spicy pepperoni, and a generous blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all swimming in a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic Italian herbs. This isn’t your average pizza; it’s a complete meal in a slice, perfect for satisfying hungry appetites and wowing friends and family. The deep-dish preparation ensures a substantial, filling pie that’s bursting with deliciousness from the first bite to the last.
Ingredients:
- 2 ready-bake pie crusts (from 1 box, approx. 450g total) – These form the foundation and topping of our delicious pie, providing a flaky, buttery base and a satisfying crust.
- 200g shredded mozzarella cheese – The quintessential pizza cheese, mozzarella offers a mild, creamy flavor and melts beautifully, creating those irresistible cheese pulls.
- 100g shredded cheddar cheese or provolone cheese – Adding cheddar introduces a sharper, more robust flavor, while provolone contributes a slightly smoky, savory note. Choose your favorite or combine them for a complex cheese blend.
- 225g ground beef – Provides a hearty, meaty base for the pie filling. Look for ground beef with a moderate fat content (around 80/20) for optimal flavor and moisture.
- 225g Italian sausage (optional, casings removed) – Enhances the meaty flavor with a touch of spice and savory goodness. Opt for sweet or mild Italian sausage for a more subtle flavor, or hot Italian sausage for a fiery kick.
- 100g pepperoni slices – Adds a classic pizza flavor with a touch of salty, spicy goodness. Choose your favorite thickness and level of spiciness.
- 350ml pizza sauce or marinara sauce – Provides the tangy, flavorful base for the pie filling. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor to the pie filling.
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, plus extra for topping – Enhances the savory flavor and adds a touch of aromatic garlic.
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes add a spicy kick to the pie filling.
- 45ml melted butter (for brushing crust) – Creates a golden-brown, flaky crust and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Meats: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) over medium heat, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Continue cooking until the meats are thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet to prevent a greasy pie. Set the cooked meats aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). This high temperature ensures that the pie crust will bake to a golden-brown perfection and the cheese will melt beautifully.
Step 3: Assembling the Base: Roll out one of the ready-bake pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Carefully transfer the rolled-out crust to a deep-dish pie pan or a deep skillet. Gently press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, ensuring that it fits snugly. Trim any excess crust that overhangs the edges of the pan. Spread half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the base of the crust. This layer of cheese will help to create a barrier between the crust and the wet filling, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.
Step 4: Layering the Filling: Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) over the mozzarella cheese layer. Add half of the pepperoni slices. Pour the pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly across the meat and pepperoni layer, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the sauce.
Step 5: Topping the Pie: Scatter the remaining mozzarella cheese and shredded cheddar or provolone cheese on top of the filling. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese layer. This will create a visually appealing and flavorful topping for the pie.
Step 6: Sealing the Pie: Roll out the second ready-bake pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Carefully place the rolled-out crust over the filling to cover the pie. Crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal the pie tightly. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Step 7: Finishing Touches: Brush the top crust with melted butter. This will give the crust a golden-brown color and a rich, buttery flavor. Sprinkle a light dusting of garlic powder over the buttered crust for added flavor.
Step 8: Baking the Pie: Place the assembled pie on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Keep a close eye on the pie during baking to prevent the crust from burning.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving: Remove the baked pie from the oven and let it cool for several minutes before slicing. This will allow the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Slice the pie into wedges and serve warm.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Deep Dish Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it combines the comforting flavors of pizza with the satisfying heartiness of a pie, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. The deep-dish format ensures a substantial, filling meal that’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks. The recipe is also highly customizable; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re a fan of spicy sausage, extra cheese, or a vegetarian twist, this pie can be adapted to your liking. Moreover, the use of ready-bake pie crusts makes this recipe relatively quick and easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the cheesy filling.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or garlic butter.
- Serve individual slices as appetizers or snacks at parties and gatherings.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- To prevent the crust from burning, cover the edges with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- If you don’t have a deep-dish pie pan, you can use a regular pie pan, but reduce the amount of filling slightly.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and sausage with plant-based alternatives or add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
- Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories per slice
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per slice
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg per slice
Conclusion:
The Deep Dish Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of classic pizza flavors, hearty filling, and flaky crust makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its customizable ingredients and relatively easy preparation, this recipe is a winner for both novice and experienced cooks alike. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of cheesy, meaty goodness!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, you can experiment with other cheeses to suit your preferences. Provolone adds a slightly smoky flavor, while cheddar brings a sharper, more robust taste. You can even try a blend of different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Some other options include Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- What can I substitute for the Italian sausage? If you’re not a fan of Italian sausage or are looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute it with other meats or vegetables. Ground turkey or chicken are great options for leaner protein sources. You can also add more ground beef or incorporate vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian twist.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can definitely make this pie ahead of time. Assemble the pie according to the recipe instructions, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the pie from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
- How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy? There are a few tricks you can use to prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy. First, make sure to spread a layer of cheese over the bottom crust before adding the filling. This will create a barrier between the crust and the wet filling. You can also pre-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to help it crisp up. Additionally, avoid adding too much sauce to the filling, as this can also contribute to a soggy crust.
- Can I freeze this pie? Yes, you can freeze this pie for longer storage. Bake the pie as directed and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
