Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Introduction

There are certain recipes that bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia the moment they hit the table, and this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is one of them. Combining the savory satisfaction of pizza with the heartiness of a casserole, this dish is packed with layers of flavor, melty cheese, and a rich tomato base. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for a gathering, making it a versatile dish you’ll want to keep on repeat.

My recipe story

The idea for this recipe came from a family pizza night where everyone wanted something a little different—some wanted a classic pizza, others craved a hearty casserole. Instead of choosing one or the other, I decided to merge the two into a single dish that satisfied everyone. The first version was a hit, and over time I perfected it with layers of seasoned beef, crumbled Italian sausage, tangy tomato sauce, smoky pepperoni, and loads of cheese. What makes this pie special is its depth—literally. Each slice feels indulgent and comforting, with textures and flavors stacked beautifully together.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this recipe lies in the careful layering of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component adds depth and personality to the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ground beef serves as the hearty base, giving the pie its satisfying richness. Italian sausage is added for its signature blend of spices and herbs, infusing the dish with a punch of flavor that ground beef alone can’t deliver. The pepperoni provides that classic pizzeria taste—smoky, slightly spicy, and irresistibly savory. When these proteins are combined, they create a dynamic, meaty layer that feels indulgent but familiar.

Onions and garlic build a savory foundation that balances the richness of the meat, while tomato sauce ties everything together with a tangy-sweet element. And of course, a generous amount of mozzarella cheese makes every bite gooey and irresistible. The crust, whether homemade or store-bought, acts as the vessel holding this delicious filling, baking up golden brown and perfectly crisp around the edges.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large skillet for browning the meat
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Mixing bowls
• 9-inch or 10-inch deep pie dish (or cast iron skillet)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Oven mitts for safe handling

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie dough and gently fit it into your deep pie dish or cast iron skillet, pressing it up the sides. Trim any excess dough and prick the bottom lightly with a fork. Blind-bake the crust for about 8 minutes to prevent sogginess, then set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Cook the meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break them apart with a wooden spoon as they cook, ensuring even browning. Once the meat is nearly cooked through, add diced onion and minced garlic. Continue to cook until the onion softens and the meat is fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling balanced and not greasy.

Step 3: Add sauce and seasonings
Pour tomato sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir in Italian seasoning, a pinch of crushed red pepper (if desired), salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld together. This step ensures the sauce thickens slightly, preventing a runny pie once baked.

Step 4: Layer the filling
Spread half of the meat sauce into the prepared crust. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by a handful of pepperoni slices. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, more mozzarella, and pepperoni, finishing with cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 5: Bake the pie
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this gives the layers time to set, making each slice neat and flavorful.

Variations & substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. If you prefer a vegetarian twist, replace the meats with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers. For cheese lovers, try mixing mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for an extra gooey finish. You can also experiment with different crusts—puff pastry for a flaky texture, crescent dough for convenience, or even a cauliflower crust for a low-carb option.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish also freezes beautifully—wrap cooled slices tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble the pie just before baking.

Serving ideas & pairings

This hearty pie pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, which balances out the richness of the dish. Garlic breadsticks or a warm loaf of Italian bread are also excellent accompaniments. For drinks, a bold red wine like Chianti or a frosty beer complements the savory, meaty flavors. If you’re serving this at a party, round out the meal with antipasto skewers or a light caprese salad for an Italian-inspired spread.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of pie crust?
Yes! Pizza dough creates a chewier, more bread-like base, while pie crust is flakier. Either works well depending on your preference.

What cheese works best for this recipe?
Mozzarella is classic, but blending it with provolone, Parmesan, or cheddar adds depth of flavor and texture.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pie crust or dough, and double-check your sausage and pepperoni labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Blind-bake the crust and make sure your filling isn’t overly wet. Draining excess fat and simmering the sauce helps.

Can I prepare this for a potluck?
Yes! This pie is perfect for sharing. Bake it ahead, transport it covered, and reheat before serving. It slices neatly and serves easily.

Final thoughts

This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is the definition of comfort food with a fun twist. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, looking for a potluck winner, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, flavorful, customizable, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Try it once, and it may just become one of your household’s go-to favorites.

Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty, savory pie layered with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 deep-dish pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a deep pie dish with your crust. Blind-bake for 8 minutes to prevent sogginess. 
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage over medium heat, breaking them apart. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess fat. 
3. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. 
4. Layer half the meat mixture into the crust, then top with mozzarella and pepperoni. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top. 
5. Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months. Serve with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American