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
Scale
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.
