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This deep hamburger sausage pie is the ultimate comfort dish for chilly nights layered with savory meats gooey cheese tangy sauce and a perfectly flaky crust This pie turns pizza night into something extra special and filling for the whole family
I made this on a cozy weekend when everyone wanted something cheesy and meaty My family devoured it and now it is a regular part of our winter dinner rotation
Ingredients
- Ready bake pie crust: ensures a tender flaky base without fuss go for a trusted brand like Pillsbury for reliability
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and adds a stringy cheesy layer use whole milk mozzarella for richness
- Ground beef: brings classic burger flavors and a hearty texture choose freshly ground for best taste
- Italian sausage: adds a subtle spice and depth optional but highly recommended for savory punch look for ones with visible herbs
- Pepperoni slices: give a familiar pizza flavor and a touch of spice fresh deli-sliced is ideal
- Pizza sauce or marinara: provides tang and moisture try to select one with low sugar and real tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar or provolone: offers cheesy sharpness and color choose sharp cheddar or smoky provolone for more flavor
- Italian seasoning: lifts all the flavors with its mix of herbs use a fresh blend if possible
- Garlic powder: gives aromatic warmth and complements the meats
- Red pepper flakes: bring a gentle heat adjust to your liking or skip for a milder pie
- Melted butter: brushed on the crust makes it golden and tempting real butter creates the tastiest shine
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat aiming for small crumbles and a deep golden crust This lets the fat render and concentrates flavor Drain away excess fat so your pie stays crisp and not greasy
- Roll Out and Prepare the Crust:
- Carefully unroll one pie crust and gently mold it into the deep-dish pie pan or a deep skillet pressing up the sides to avoid air bubbles Aim for a smooth even base with no tears
- Layer the Cheeses and Meats:
- Scatter half the mozzarella evenly over the crust This forms a moisture barrier and melts into delicious strings Add all the browned meats and a generous layer of pepperoni spreading to every edge for flavor in each bite
- Add the Sauce and Seasonings:
- Gently pour the pizza or marinara sauce over the meat Use a spoon to spread it evenly without disturbing the layers Sprinkle the Italian seasoning garlic powder and red pepper flakes on the sauce so every bite is seasoned
- Finish with Cheese and Toppings:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the cheddar or provolone over the sauce Layer the rest of the pepperoni on top to caramelize as they bake
- Seal and Season the Pie:
- Top everything with the second pie crust tucking and crimping the edges to secure the filling Brush the surface with melted butter If you love garlic sprinkle a touch more garlic powder on top for extra aroma
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven at 425 F Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling at the edges If the top gets too brown lay a sheet of foil on top in the last few minutes
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the pie rest out of the oven for five to ten minutes This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier Use a sharp knife and serve warm for gooey cheesy slices
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One of my favorite parts of this dish is the way the pepperoni crisps on top My kids love to help lay them out and we always laugh about who gets the cheesiest slice
Storage Tips
After cooling completely cover and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator The pie reheats well in the oven at 350 F covered loosely with foil You can also slice and freeze individual servings for quick weeknight meals
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Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have Italian sausage you can use all ground beef or even ground turkey Instead of pepperoni try cooked bacon or chopped ham Any melty cheese like fontina or Monterey jack can stand in for the mozzarella or cheddar
Serving Suggestions
Pair big wedges of this pie with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal For a real pizza night feel add bowls of warm marinara for dipping
Cultural and Historical Context
Deep-dish savory pies have been popular in American home cooking for generations inspired by Italian American pizza traditions This recipe brings together all the classic pizza toppings in a hearty pie format perfect for family gatherings
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, ready-to-bake pie crusts work well and save time. You can also use homemade crust if you prefer.
- → Is it necessary to use both beef and sausage?
No, you can use only beef or only sausage, or even substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- → Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble the pie ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for best results.
- → What cheese combinations are best?
Mozzarella adds stretch and melt, while cheddar or provolone offers richness. Feel free to experiment with blends.
- → How can I reheat leftovers?
Warm slices in the oven at 350°F until heated through to keep the crust crisp.