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If you’re craving a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in meal form, you need to try the Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: Comfort Food Bliss Recipe. This indulgent pie is packed with layers of juicy ground beef, flavorful Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, and gooey cheeses all nestled inside a flaky, buttery crust. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies every craving for comfort food at once, perfect for sharing with family or friends on a cozy night in. Trust me, once you taste this pie, it will quickly become one of your new favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one brings something special to this pie. From the rich meats to the melting cheeses and the perfectly seasoned crust, the balance of flavors and textures come together effortlessly to create a true comfort food classic.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a tender, flaky crust that holds all the delicious fillings perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances every bite by elevating the crust and filling flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle aromatic punch to the crust for extra savoriness.
- 1/2 cup Cold Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the dough.
- 5 tablespoons Cold Water: Added gradually to bring the dough together without toughness.
- 1 pound Ground Beef: Lean beef adds rich, meaty flavor without too much grease.
- 1 pound Italian Sausage: Brings savory spices and juiciness, but turkey sausage works well too for a lighter option.
- 1 cup Onion: Fresh onions provide a sweet and slightly sharp depth to the filling.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced for robust, aromatic richness in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties together all the savory components beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but perfect for a gentle kick of heat to brighten the pie.
- 1 can Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, delivering tangy, delicious tomato flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste: Thickens and intensifies the sauce for a luscious, rich base.
- 1 teaspoon Sugar: Balances tomato acidity and rounds out the sauce flavors.
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Key for that irresistibly gooey, stretchy cheese experience.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and extra melty goodness when paired with mozzarella.
- 1 cup Pepperoni: Thick-cut pepperoni delivers a satisfying bite and bursts of savory spice.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Sprinkled for fragrant herbal notes that enhance the Italian flavors.
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Creates a beautiful golden crust with savory depth on top of the pie.
How to Make Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: Comfort Food Bliss Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a deep 9-inch pie dish. Roll out your dough carefully until it’s about 1/8 inch thick; this thinness is key for achieving a crust that’s flaky but sturdy enough to hold all those tasty layers. Lay the dough into the pie dish, prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling, and blind-bake it for 7 to 8 minutes. This step ensures the crust doesn’t get soggy once you add the sauce and fillings.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Add the Italian sausage after the beef is mostly cooked and continue cooking until it’s nicely browned throughout. Once cooked, drain off excess fat to keep the filling rich but not greasy. This meat combo forms the hearty backbone of the pie, so take your time for great flavor.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
To the browned meats, add diced onions and freshly minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened. Stir in the Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes to layer in wonderful herbal and spicy notes. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, adding a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Let this sauce simmer briefly to meld the flavors beautifully before layering.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread a thin layer of your pizza-style sauce over the partially baked crust. Follow this with half of the meat mixture, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Add a hearty scattering of thick-cut pepperoni on top. Repeat the layering to create a stunning, multi-textured pie that promises lots of gooey cheese and savory bites in every slice.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Place your pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheeses are melted, bubbling, and slightly golden. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan and dried oregano a few minutes before the pie finishes baking to add an irresistible crust and fragrant herbal finish.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, let your Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: Comfort Food Bliss Recipe cool for about 10 minutes to set up, making it easier to slice and serve. This brief rest lets all those warm, melty fillings settle perfectly so every bite stays intact.
How to Serve Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: Comfort Food Bliss Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes enhance the pie’s vibrant flavor profile. A drizzle of quality olive oil or a few dollops of marinara sauce on the side can also amplify the rustic Italian charm, making every slice look as enticing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a mixed green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or crunchy garlic bread that’s perfect for mopping up every delicious drop. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli add a light contrast, balancing out the richness of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: Comfort Food Bliss Recipe the centerpiece by serving it family-style on a wooden board, surrounded by bowls of colorful sides. For a fun twist, cut it into smaller square slices for finger-food style parties or layered between slices of rustic bread for a deluxe sandwich variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making this recipe an excellent option for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save pie for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. This pie freezes well for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy comfort food bliss anytime you need a homemade treat.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp and the filling flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a pre-made pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A good quality store-bought pie crust can save time and still yield delicious results. Just be sure to blind bake it as directed for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty mushrooms to keep the savory depth intact while making a vegetarian-friendly version.
How spicy is this pie with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the other flavors without overpowering them. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely based on your preference.
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! While mozzarella and cheddar create the perfect melty combo, feel free to experiment with provolone, fontina, or even gouda for different flavor nuances.
What’s the best way to serve this pie to guests?
Slice the pie into generous wedges and serve it alongside fresh salads and bread. Pairing with a simple red wine or sparkling water with lemon makes for a delightful meal everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: Comfort Food Bliss Recipe is like creating a delicious, homemade masterpiece full of love and flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of pizza and pie into one unforgettable dish. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how comforting and satisfying this recipe truly is. Once you do, it might just become your new favorite comfort food tradition!
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Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: Comfort Food Bliss Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie combines hearty ground beef, Italian sausage, and savory pepperoni layered with rich cheeses and a homemade crust for ultimate comfort food. Baked to golden perfection, this pie is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, promising a gooey, flavorful experience with every slice.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitute whole wheat for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor in both crust and filling)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Adds aromatic flavor to the crust)
- 1/2 cup Cold Unsalted Butter (Can use margarine as a dairy-free alternative)
- 5 tablespoons Cold Water (Add gradually for best texture)
For the Filling
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Using lean beef 85–90% for maximum flavor)
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (Substitute with turkey sausage if desired)
- 1 cup Onion, diced (Fresh is preferable)
- 2 cloves Garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 can Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (Balances acidity)
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Pepperoni, thick-cut
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pie Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a deep 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Blind-Bake the Crust: Roll out your dough to about 1/8 inch thickness, then fit it into the pie dish. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling and blind-bake for 7–8 minutes to set the crust.
- Brown the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables and Add Seasonings: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the meat mixture, cooking until softened. Stir in Italian seasoning, then add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well for a rich sauce. Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Layer the Pie: Start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crust. Add half of the remaining meat mixture, then a generous layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and a layer of pepperoni. Repeat the layers to fill the pie dish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie on the middle oven rack and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set. Slice into wedges and serve warm with your favorite side such as a fresh salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- For a healthier crust, substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Use lean ground beef (85-90%) to reduce excess grease in the pie.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Dairy-free options include margarine instead of butter and omit cheeses or use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Allow the pie to rest after baking for easier slicing and better filling set.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated well in an oven or microwave.
