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Whether it is a cold night or you crave classic comfort, this savory hamburger sausage and pepperoni pie always delivers. It blends all the hearty, cheesy, and satisfying flavors of your favorite pizza in pie form, with a bubbling golden top and a crispy base you can slice and serve. This is a dish that turns everyday ingredients into something special for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or your next potluck.
My family adores this pie for game nights and outings because it always disappears fast. I first experimented with this dish during a busy holiday season for a crowd-pleasing one-dish meal and it is now a go-to for both celebrations and low-key evenings together.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Brings protein and heartiness to the base Use freshly ground beef for the richest taste
- Sausage: Brings a gentle spice and richness Select sausage with natural casings and a good blend of herbs
- Pepperoni: Provides smoky classic pizza flavor Choose a thicker-cut deli pepperoni when possible for big impact
- Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for melty texture and signature stretch Buy whole milk mozzarella for best melting
- Parmesan Cheese: Gives a sharp finish and crispy crust Use grated from a wedge for best flavor over pre-shredded
- Pizza Sauce: Keeps everything moist and brings classic pizza taste Look for sauces with simple tomato and herb ingredients
- Pie Dough: Forms the sturdy base Homemade adds a rustic note but good-quality refrigerator pie crust speeds prep
- Olive Oil: Used for browning meat and flavor Use extra virgin if possible for a little fruity depth
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Soften store-bought pie dough for ten minutes then press evenly into a deep-dish pan Make sure there is no air trapped along the edges Prick the bottom to prevent bubbling
- Pre-Bake the Crust:
- Bake in a 375 degree oven for ten minutes until it just starts turning golden This prevents soggy crust under the filling
- Brown the Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat warm olive oil Add ground beef and sausage Break into crumbles and sprinkle salt pepper garlic powder and Italian seasoning Cook for seven to ten minutes until browned with no pink remaining Drain excess fat for a cleaner bite
- Layer the Flavors:
- Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce over the pre-baked crust Scatter half the mozzarella next Add the cooked meat mixture Spoon on more sauce then top with the rest of the mozzarella Lay pepperoni over everything and finish with Parmesan
- Bake the Pie:
- Place pie in oven at 375 degrees Bake twenty-five to thirty minutes The cheese should be bubbly and golden edges crispy
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove pie from oven Allow five to ten minutes to rest before slicing so layers set Garnish with fresh parsley for color and a pop of flavor
My favorite part is that layer of gooey mozzarella that turns golden and stretchy Nobody can resist those strings of cheese and it takes me right back to childhood pizza nights with my siblings where we would argue over the cheesiest slice
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for up to four days The crust stays crisper if wrapped in foil before sealing in a container You can warm slices gently in the oven or microwave until the cheese melts again
Ingredient Substitutions
Use turkey instead of beef and sausage for a lighter version Replace pepperoni with cooked veggies like mushrooms or peppers if you prefer a meatless pie For the sauce you can mix plain crushed tomatoes with a pinch of salt and dried oregano as a quick substitute
Serving Suggestions
Serve in generous wedges alongside a crisp green salad Garlic knots and roasted vegetables round out the meal For a party cut into smaller squares and serve as finger food with dipping sauce
Cultural Roots of the Recipe
This dish draws on the classic flavors of a meat-lovers pizza baked into a pie crust which became popular as a retro twist in American kitchens during the 1980s It is comfort food at its heart reminding me of casserole dinners and family get-togethers of my childhood
Seasonal Adaptations
Top with slices of fresh tomatoes in summer for added juiciness Mix in sautéed zucchini or spinach during spring for extra greens For winter coziness add a small pinch of crushed red pepper to the meat for subtle warmth
Success Stories
This recipe is always a conversation starter at gatherings People especially love how the flavors echo classic pizza in a sliceable form One friend once asked for a second batch to be baked on the spot for her teenagers It is one of those dishes you will be asked to make again and again
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can assemble the pie up through the layering step cover tightly and freeze for up to two months To bake from frozen add about fifteen extra minutes of bake time Or freeze baked slices individually for easy lunches just reheat in a toaster oven
Make this savory pie once and it will become a staple at your table too. Each slice offers the golden cheese and bold pizza flavor everyone loves in a comforting, crowd-pleasing way.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes! Provolone or cheddar work well and add a unique flavor and texture to the finished dish.
- → Is it possible to make this dish without sausage?
Absolutely, you can use only ground beef or replace sausage with a vegetarian alternative for a lighter option.
- → How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding fillings to keep it crisp and firm.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking, or bake ahead and gently reheat in the oven when needed.
- → What sides pair well with this main dish?
Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement the hearty flavors nicely.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, cool completely, slice, and store in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 2 months.