Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Introduction

If you’re a pizza lover, this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a dream come true! I made it recently for a family dinner, and it quickly became a crowd favorite. The combination of savory ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni, layered with rich mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone cheeses, is the ultimate comfort food. The pizza sauce adds a tangy kick, while the buttery, golden crust ties everything together. My family loved every bite, and the leftovers were just as good the next day. It’s a fun, indulgent twist on traditional pizza, and it’s surprisingly easy to make with Pillsbury’s ready-bake pie crust. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something hearty, this pie will surely satisfy everyone’s taste buds!

Ingredients

• For the Pie Crust:
• 1 box Pillsbury ready-bake pie crust (comes with 2 rolled pie crusts)
• For the Filling:
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce or marinara
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 tablespoons melted butter (to brush on top crust)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:
   Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the meat mixture aside.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Assemble the Pizza Pie:

• Roll out the Pillsbury pie dough to fit a deep-dish pie pan or deep skillet.
• Lay the first rolled pie crust in the bottom of the pan.
• Start by layering half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the pie crust.
• Add a layer of the cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni slices.
• Pour the pizza sauce (or marinara) evenly over the meat and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Top with the remaining shredded cheese and another layer of pepperoni slices.
• Finally, cover with the second pie crust, tucking the edges in, and brush the top with melted butter. You can sprinkle some garlic powder on the crust for an extra burst of flavor.

1. Bake the Pizza Pie:
   Bake the pizza pie in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to ensure the crust doesn’t get too dark.

• Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this deliciously indulgent pizza pie!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 400-450 (approximate, depending on toppings and crust)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Main Dish: Serve this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie as a main dish for dinner with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
• Party Food: Slice into smaller portions to serve as a fun appetizer or party food.
• Family Meal: This pie is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve with garlic bread or some crispy fries to round out the meal.

Additional Tips

1. Use a Deep-Dish Pan: A deep-dish pan will give the pie the right height to hold all the delicious fillings and prevent overflowing.
2. Make it Extra Cheesy: Add more cheese layers for an even cheesier, more indulgent pie. You can mix in a variety of cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or gouda.
3. Add Veggies: For a bit of freshness and added nutrition, try adding bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the filling.
4. Use Store-Bought Sauce: If you’re in a rush, store-bought pizza sauce or marinara works perfectly fine, but you can always make your own for extra flavor.
5. Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some jalapeños or chili flakes to the meat mixture for an extra spicy kick.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and fill the pie with more cheese, olives, mushrooms, and peppers for a vegetarian version.
• Meat Lover’s Pie: Add bacon, ham, or more types of sausage for a heartier meat lover’s version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute the pie crust with a cauliflower crust for a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Pepperoni: For a spicier version, use spicy pepperoni or add chili flakes to the pizza sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: A fresh, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect balance to the richness of the pizza pie.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Serve this deep dish pizza with garlic bread or buttery breadsticks to complement the flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a healthy side, try roasting some vegetables like Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or carrots to go along with the pizza pie.
• Beverages: Pair this hearty dish with a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or a soda for the perfect meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to preserve freshness.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the pie for later, let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of crust?
   Yes, you can use puff pastry, homemade pizza dough, or even a gluten-free crust for this recipe.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Absolutely! Feel free to swap in provolone, gouda, or mozzarella, depending on your taste preferences.
3. Is the sausage necessary?
   No, the sausage is optional. You can substitute it with more ground beef or skip it entirely for a simpler pie.
4. Can I add vegetables to this pie?
   Yes! Bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would be great additions to the filling.
5. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the pie ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
6. Can I make this with a thinner crust?
   Yes, you can use a thinner pie crust if you prefer, but it may not hold all the fillings as well as the thicker crust.
7. Can I make it spicier?
   Absolutely! Add spicy pepperoni, jalapeños, or extra chili flakes to the meat mixture for a spicier version.
8. How do I know when the pie is done?
   The pie is done when the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the filling is bubbling.
9. Can I freeze this pie?
   Yes, you can freeze the pie before or after baking. Make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly for storage.
10. How do I store leftovers?
    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Conclusion

The Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a pizza lover’s dream that brings all the best flavors of a classic pizza into a hearty, indulgent dish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or a cozy night in, this deep-dish pie will satisfy your cravings for something savory and delicious. With layers of cheesy goodness, savory meats, and a buttery crust, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations to make it your own, and enjoy every bite!

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