When I first heard about Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie, I thought it sounded too good to be true. A cross between pizza and casserole that’s loaded with three types of meat? Trust me on this one – it’s become one of my family’s most requested dinner recipes. If you’ve ever struggled with making a hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table, this recipe is your answer. The combination of seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, and crispy pepperoni creates layers of flavor that will have your kitchen smelling amazing all evening long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie delivers everything you want in comfort food and more. Here’s what makes it special:
- Triple meat combination creates incredible depth of flavor
- One-dish meal that feeds 8-10 people easily
- Make-ahead friendly for busy weeknights
- Kid-approved recipe that adults absolutely love too
Last winter, I made this for a neighborhood potluck and came home with an empty dish and five recipe requests. Even my pickiest eater neighbor asked for seconds, which never happens!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let me tell you a little secret – the key to an amazing Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is using quality meat and not skimping on the cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Meat Layer:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 6 ounces pepperoni, sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese and Sauce:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
For the Crust:
- 2 pounds pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal for dusting
Can’t find Italian sausage? Sweet or spicy breakfast sausage works perfectly. For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for half the beef.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a deep-dish pizza pan (14-inch) or large cast-iron skillet. Don’t have either? A 9×13 inch baking dish works in a pinch, though you’ll get a different texture. A large skillet for browning the meat is essential too.
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Medium
- Make-Ahead Options: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
First, let’s get all our components ready since this recipe moves quickly once you start assembling.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease your deep-dish pan with olive oil.
- Dust the bottom with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and fresh basil.
- Divide your pizza dough into two portions – one slightly larger for the bottom crust.
Cooking Method
Now we’ll build this masterpiece layer by layer. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
- Roll out the larger portion of dough and press it into your pan, bringing it up the sides about 2 inches.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef and sausage, breaking it up as it cooks (about 8 minutes).
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute.
- Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Spread half the pizza sauce over the bottom crust.
- Layer in half the meat mixture, then half the cheese mixture.
- Add the pepperoni slices, then repeat layers.
- Roll out the remaining dough for the top crust and place over the filling.
How to Know When It’s Done
Your Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is perfectly done when the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped lightly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. You’ll also see the cheese bubbling around the edges.
Finishing Touches
Seal the edges by crimping the top and bottom crusts together, then brush the top with olive oil. Cut several small vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Let the cooked meat cool slightly before assembling – this prevents the bottom crust from getting soggy
- Don’t overfill your pie or it will be difficult to seal properly
- Allow the finished pie to rest for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts
- Use a sharp serrated knife to slice through the crust without crushing the filling
Trust me on this one – patience during the resting time makes all the difference in presentation!
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these delicious twists:
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños and use hot Italian sausage
- Veggie-loaded: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives
- Breakfast style: Replace pepperoni with bacon and add scrambled eggs
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread. For beverages, try a robust red wine or ice-cold beer. It’s substantial enough to be the star of your dinner table!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire pie up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover slices in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap the baked and cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What substitutions work for the ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese works well as a substitute, though drain it first to remove excess liquid. You can also use a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a tangier flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This is in regular rotation at my house for meal prep! Cut into individual portions and freeze in meal-sized containers. It reheats perfectly in the oven or microwave.
Time to Get Cooking!
This Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie brings together everything you love about pizza and comfort food casseroles in one incredible dish. The combination of three meats with creamy cheese and flaky crust creates a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Give this recipe a try for your next family dinner or gathering – I guarantee it’ll become a regular request! Share your results in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out my Classic Meat Lovers Pizza and Italian Sausage Pasta recipes for more hearty Italian-inspired dishes.
