Description
This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a hearty, comforting dish that combines a flaky homemade crust with layers of seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, topped with pepperoni for a perfect pizza-inspired meal baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Filling
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Using lean beef 85–90% maximizes flavor)
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (Feel free to substitute with turkey sausage)
- 1 cup Onion (Fresh is preferable for optimal taste)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Freshly minced delivers aromatic richness)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (Ties all flavors together)
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for heat; adjust to preference)
- 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (Canned is convenient, but fresh works great too)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (Thickens sauce for a rich finish)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (Balances the acidity of the tomatoes)
Cheese & Topping
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Key for gooey, melted texture)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Combining with mozzarella is highly recommended)
- 1 cup Pepperoni (Opt for thick-cut for more bite)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Adds aromatic notes)
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Brings flavor and a beautiful golden crust)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a deep 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Fit it carefully into the pie dish, making sure to press it up the sides evenly. Prick the base all over with a fork to prevent bubbles during baking.
- Blind-Bake the Crust: Blind-bake the crust in the preheated oven for 7–8 minutes to set it, this prevents sogginess beneath the filling.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the Italian sausage and continue cooking until browned through. Drain any excess fat to keep the pie from being greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Stir in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Layer the Pie: Start by spreading a layer of pizza sauce on the bottom of the partially baked crust. Add half of the meat mixture, then a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, followed by pepperoni slices. Repeat these layers one more time, finishing with a sprinkle of dried oregano and grated Parmesan on top.
- Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie on the middle rack of the oven, baking for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- 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 a fresh side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier crust option.
- Using lean ground beef (85-90% lean) helps reduce excess grease.
- For a dairy-free crust, margarine can replace unsalted butter.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to make the filling mild or spicy.
- Allow the pie to cool before slicing to maintain the structure.
- Serve with fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
