Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: A Hearty, Cheesy Comfort Classic

Introduction

Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a bold, satisfying dish that brings together everything people love about comfort food in one impressive bake. Rich layers of seasoned meat, melted cheese, and a sturdy crust come together to create a meal that feels indulgent and filling. I first made this pie when I wanted something more substantial than pizza but just as crowd-pleasing, and it exceeded expectations. The combination of hamburger, sausage, and pepperoni creates deep savory flavor, while the cheese binds everything into a cohesive, sliceable pie. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. It works equally well for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings. I once tested it with a mix of mozzarella and provolone, and the result was exceptionally rich and satisfying. This pie is unapologetically hearty and designed to be enjoyed slowly, one generous slice at a time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal complexity. It is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, easy to prepare ahead of time, and perfect for feeding a group. The layered structure makes it visually impressive while remaining simple to assemble.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef forms the base of the filling and provides hearty texture and savory richness throughout the pie.

Italian sausage adds seasoning and depth, enhancing the overall flavor with herbs and spices.

Pepperoni contributes a smoky, slightly spicy note that balances the richness of the meats.

Onion adds sweetness and moisture, helping round out the savory filling.

Garlic enhances aroma and depth, tying all the flavors together.

Marinara sauce provides acidity and moisture, preventing the pie from becoming heavy.

Mozzarella cheese melts smoothly and creates the classic stretchy texture expected from a deep pie.

Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and structure, helping the filling hold together when sliced.

Parmesan cheese contributes a sharp, salty finish that boosts overall flavor.

Eggs bind the filling and give the pie stability once baked.

Pie crust or pizza dough forms a sturdy base and edge, holding the generous filling securely.

Italian seasoning reinforces the savory profile and complements the meats.

Salt enhances flavor and balances the richness.

Black pepper adds subtle warmth and depth.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a deep pie dish or springform pan.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Mix in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Press the pie crust or dough into the prepared dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Spoon half of the meat mixture into the crust. Spread ricotta evenly over the meat, followed by a layer of mozzarella and pepperoni slices. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese.

Whisk the eggs and pour them evenly over the filling. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the pie is set and the top is golden. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This pie serves six to eight people. Preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, with a baking time of about 45 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This pie also reheats well in an air fryer for a crisp edge.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a lighter version or use spicy sausage for added heat. Different cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or a mozzarella blend work well. For added vegetables, layer in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. A thicker pizza-style crust can be used for extra structure, while a gluten-free crust works with minor adjustments. For a smoky twist, add cooked bacon crumbles to the meat mixture. Each variation keeps the rich, layered essence of the pie intact while offering a new flavor direction.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This pie is rich and filling, making moderate portions ideal. It provides protein from the meats and calcium from the cheese. Using lean meats and reduced-fat cheese can help balance the nutritional profile.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Clean Slices
Allow the pie to rest before cutting to help it set.

Balanced Filling
Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness.

Even Layers
Distribute fillings evenly for consistent texture.

Crisp Crust
Pre-bake the crust briefly if using a very moist filling.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, it can be assembled in advance and baked when needed.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, freeze after baking and cooling completely.

What crust works best?

A sturdy pie crust or thick pizza dough works best.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes.

Do I need eggs?

Eggs help bind the filling but can be omitted for a looser texture.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed vegetables work very well.

How do I avoid a soggy crust?

Drain meats well and avoid excess sauce.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, simply reduce or omit spicy ingredients.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, it works perfectly for convenience.

What pairs well with this pie?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness.

Conclusion

Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a bold, satisfying dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every slice. With its rich layers, hearty filling, and adaptable nature, it is a dependable recipe for gatherings or family meals. Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve, this pie is destined to become a favorite for anyone who enjoys deeply savory comfort food.

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