Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie Recipe Guide

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comfort food recipe that hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, meaty, and utterly soul-satisfying—then you’re in the right kitchen. Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a one-pan masterpiece that blends the flavors of classic pizza with the heartiness of a home-baked pie. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, game nights, or just when you need something filling and fabulous. Whether you’re craving gooey mozzarella, spicy sausage, or that signature pepperoni kick, this dish brings it all together in one golden, buttery crust.

But here’s the kicker—it’s way easier to make than it looks. And once you serve it up with a crisp salad or a creamy dip, you’ll have yourself a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Table of Contents

Key Ingredients for Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

A delicious dish is only as good as its ingredients—and when it comes to Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie, every layer plays a starring role. From the buttery crust to the cheesy, meaty core, here’s what you’ll need to create this comfort food classic from scratch.

Must-Have Ingredients for the Crust and Filling

To keep things simple (yet incredibly flavorful), this recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients that you can find in most grocery stores. Here’s the full lineup:

For the Crust:

1 box of Pillsbury ready-bake pie crust (contains 2 rolled crusts)
Shortcut-friendly and reliable, these crusts hold up perfectly under all that meaty, cheesy goodness.

Want a more rustic feel? Try making your own dough using this homemade pie crust recipe—it adds a flakier, richer texture.

For the Filling:

½ pound ground beef
Lean, juicy, and protein-packed, it forms the savory foundation of the dish.
½ pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Adds bold flavor and a hint of heat—optional but totally worth it.
1 cup pepperoni slices
Smoky, slightly crisp edges, and the signature zing of a pizza pie.
1½ cups pizza sauce or marinara
Choose a thick, rich sauce with herbs for that full-bodied tomato punch.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
The star of the cheese show—stretchy, gooey, and irresistible.
1 cup shredded cheddar or provolone
Adds sharpness or a creamy layer depending on your choice.
1 tsp Italian seasoning
A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to give that unmistakable pizza flavor.
½ tsp garlic powder
A subtle boost to all the meats and sauce.
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Perfect for those who love a touch of spice.
3 tbsp melted butter (for brushing the crust)
Enhances the golden finish and adds buttery depth.

Optional Add-Ins for Flavor Upgrades

Wanna make it your own? Try tossing in some of these:

Chopped mushrooms – for earthy umami goodness
Sliced olives – bring a salty punch
Diced green peppers or onions – add color and crunch
Fresh basil or parsley – garnish that boosts aroma and freshness

Ingredient Substitutions & Smart Swaps

We get it—not everyone has the exact ingredients on hand. So here are some clever alternatives that won’t sacrifice flavor:

Meats:

Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist
Use vegan sausage crumbles or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option
Try leftover rotisserie chicken—it works surprisingly well!

Cheeses:

No mozzarella? Use Monterey Jack, fontina, or smoked gouda
For a sharper edge, go with aged provolone or even feta crumbles

Crust Options:

Gluten-free? Use store-bought gluten-free pie dough
Low-carb? Skip the crust entirely and bake in a casserole dish with a cheesy topping

Fun fact: Mozzarella cheese isn’t just delicious—it’s actually packed with calcium and protein! Curious? Here’s a deep dive into mozzarella’s health benefits.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Don’t worry—this process is easier than you think, and the result? A cheesy, meaty masterpiece wrapped in golden, flaky perfection. Follow these steps to create your ultimate deep-dish pizza pie at home.

Preparing the Filling

Brown the Meat

Heat a skillet over medium heat and toss in the ground beef and Italian sausage.
Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned—about 6–8 minutes.
Once cooked, drain any excess fat. This helps prevent the crust from getting soggy later.

Tip: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning while the meat cooks for an extra layer of flavor.

Prepping the Pie Crust

Roll and Set the Bottom Crust

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Take one rolled pie crust and gently place it into a deep-dish pie pan or a cast iron skillet.
Press it down lightly to fit the pan, letting the edges hang over just a bit.

Want to use cast iron? You’re not alone. Here’s a look at why cooking with cast iron gives better texture and heat retention.

Assembling the Layers

Begin the Cheese Base

Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella onto the bottom crust.
This cheesy foundation helps seal the crust and prevent sogginess.

Add the Meat and Pepperoni

Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the mozzarella.
Layer pepperoni slices over the meat—use as much or as little as you’d like!

Pour the Sauce

Drizzle the pizza sauce evenly over the top of the meats.
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).

More Cheese, Please

Add the remaining mozzarella and then the cheddar or provolone for a gooey finish.
Top it off with a few extra pepperoni slices for that Instagram-worthy look.

Sealing and Baking the Pie

Add the Top Crust

Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filling.
Pinch the edges together with the bottom crust to seal it all in.
Use a fork or your fingers to create a crimped edge.
Slice a few vent holes in the center so steam can escape while baking.

Butter It Up

Brush the top with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
This step gives your pie that irresistible golden color and savory crust.

Time to Bake!

Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese inside is bubbling.
If the edges start browning too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through.

Cool and Serve

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
This gives the filling time to settle and makes slicing easier.
Serve hot, and prepare for happy faces all around!

Pro Tip: For cleaner slices, use a serrated knife or a pizza cutter after letting the pie cool slightly.

Creative Variations of Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

One of the best things about Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is how endlessly customizable it is. While the classic version brings the bold, cheesy, meaty flavor we all crave, you don’t have to stop there. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, vegetarians, or spice lovers, there’s a pie for everyone.

Let’s explore some wildly delicious spins on the original that might just become new favorites at your table.

BBQ Chicken Deep Dish Pizza Pie

If you love the smoky-sweet vibe of BBQ, this one’s for you.

What to Use Instead:

Swap out the pizza sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce
Use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of ground beef and sausage
Add thinly sliced red onions for extra punch
Consider a cheese blend with smoked gouda for richness

The result? A tangy, slightly sweet deep-dish pie with a satisfying meatiness and just the right amount of bite.

Veggie Lovers Pepperoni-Free Pie

Who said meat had to be the main event? This meatless variation brings on the flavor with colorful, nutrient-packed vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini
Optional: black olives, spinach, or red onions
Use plant-based pepperoni or sausage if you want to keep the same structure

Pro Tip: Sauté veggies before layering them in to avoid wateriness and keep the crust crisp.

This vegetarian version is anything but boring. It’s vibrant, cheesy, and still delivers that deep, comforting bite.

Breakfast-Style Sausage and Egg Pie

Yes, you read that right—this pie works beautifully as a hearty breakfast dish too!

Here’s how to flip it to AM mode:

Replace the meat filling with scrambled eggs and crumbled breakfast sausage
Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and diced bell peppers
Skip the pizza sauce and use a layer of light gravy or even cream cheese for richness

Serve it with a side of fruit or hash browns and coffee—hello, weekend brunch goals.

Spicy Jalapeño Beef Pie

Craving heat? This variation’s got the kick.

Add sliced jalapeños into the meat mix
Sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce
Use pepper jack cheese for that melty-spicy finish

You can also experiment with hot Italian sausage to take the spice level even higher!

Leftover Roast Pie

No food goes to waste when you’ve got a pie shell ready to be filled.

Use leftover roast beef, turkey, or even ham
Shred the meat and layer with your cheese and sauce as usual
Add roasted veggies for even more depth

This version makes meal planning a breeze and gives second life to last night’s dinner.

The takeaway? Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie isn’t just a recipe—it’s a concept. You can tweak it, flip it, or go wild with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re in the mood for something bold and spicy or light and veggie-packed, there’s always a way to make this dish uniquely yours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Curious cooks and hungry readers have lots of questions when it comes to making this cheesy, meaty masterpiece. Below, we answer the most common ones—so you’re never left second-guessing in the kitchen.

Can I make Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can fully assemble the pie and then refrigerate it—unbaked—for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, pop it straight into a preheated oven and bake as usual. Just add 5 extra minutes of cooking time to ensure it heats through evenly.

What type of crust works best?

A classic buttery pie crust (like Pillsbury’s ready-bake version) is easy and reliable. But if you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade crust offers unbeatable flakiness and flavor. For a low-carb option, skip the top crust and cover it with cheese instead—boom, instant pizza casserole!

Need help with crust-making? This homemade pie crust tutorial is beginner-friendly and foolproof.

Can I freeze the pie?

You bet. Freeze the assembled, unbaked pie tightly wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. You can also freeze leftovers—just reheat slices in the oven to keep the crust crispy.

How do I know when the pie is done?

The visual cues are your best friend:

The top crust should be golden brown
Cheese should be bubbling around the edges
A quick poke with a knife should come out clean (no gooey sauce)

Generally, 25–30 minutes at 425°F is spot-on.

Can I make it without sausage?

Sure thing! You can double the ground beef or sub it with other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. If you’re going veggie, bulk it up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for that umami punch.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s like a pizza wrapped in pie crust—what’s not to love? You can tone down the spice by skipping red pepper flakes and choosing mild sausage. Most kids also love helping assemble the layers!

Can I use marinara instead of pizza sauce?

Yes, marinara works just fine. It’s a bit thinner than traditional pizza sauce, so if you want a thicker filling, reduce it slightly on the stovetop before layering it into the pie.

What’s the best cheese for a gooey texture?

Mozzarella is king for meltiness. For extra flavor, combine it with cheddar, provolone, or even Monterey Jack. Feeling fancy? Toss in some smoked gouda or fontina for a gourmet upgrade.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This pie is rich and filling, so light sides are best:

A crisp Caesar or green salad
Roasted zucchini or asparagus
A small bowl of marinara or ranch for dipping
Even simple garlic breadsticks do the trick

Can I make this in a casserole dish?

Definitely. If you don’t have a pie pan or deep skillet, a square or round baking dish works just as well. The shape may change, but the flavor doesn’t!

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