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This deep hamburger sausage pie makes the perfect comfort food when it's cold outside. Layers of tasty meats, melty cheese, zesty sauce and a buttery flaky crust come together. It takes your family pizza dinner up a notch, giving everyone a satisfying meal they'll love.
I whipped this up during a snug weekend when everyone was craving something meaty and cheesy. My family ate it all up in no time, and now we can't get through winter without making it regularly.
Ingredients
- Ready bake pie crust: gives you a soft, flaky bottom without any hassle - grab something reliable like Pillsbury
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: creates that awesome stretchy, gooey texture - full-fat works best for extra goodness
- Ground beef: adds that classic burger taste and meaty texture - try to get it freshly ground if you can
- Italian sausage: brings some kick and flavor depth - you can skip it, but it really makes the dish pop - look for ones with green flecks of herbs
- Pepperoni slices: add that pizza-like flavor everyone loves - grab them fresh from the deli counter if possible
- Pizza sauce or marinara: gives juiciness and tangy flavor - try to find one without too much sugar and real tomato chunks
- Shredded cheddar or provolone: adds color and stronger cheese taste - go for extra sharp cheddar or smoky provolone for more punch
- Italian seasoning: pulls all the flavors together with its herb mix - newer blends taste better than old ones
- Garlic powder: adds that cozy smell and works great with the meat flavors
- Red pepper flakes: add just enough heat to notice - use less or none if you want it milder
- Melted butter: brushed on top makes the crust look amazing and taste great - always go for real butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage in a pan on medium heat until you get little brown chunks with crispy edges. This brings out the tastiest flavors. Make sure to drain off the extra fat so your pie doesn't turn soggy.
- Roll Out and Prepare the Crust:
- Take one pie crust and carefully place it in your deep pie dish or oven-safe skillet. Press it along the bottom and sides making sure there aren't any trapped air pockets. Try to keep it whole without any tears.
- Layer the Cheeses and Meats:
- Spread half your mozzarella across the bottom crust. This stops moisture from making things soggy and creates those yummy cheese pulls. Add all your cooked meats and lay pepperoni slices all over so every bite gets some.
- Add the Sauce and Seasonings:
- Pour your sauce over everything and spread it around with the back of a spoon. Don't mix up the layers. Sprinkle all your Italian seasoning, garlic powder and red pepper flakes across the top so the flavors get into every bite.
- Finish with Cheese and Toppings:
- Add the rest of your mozzarella plus all the cheddar or provolone on top of the sauce. Put your remaining pepperoni pieces on the very top where they'll get nice and crispy while baking.
- Seal and Season the Pie:
- Cover everything with your second pie crust. Fold and pinch the edges together to keep all the good stuff inside. Brush the top with melted butter. For garlic lovers, a light sprinkle of extra garlic powder makes it smell amazing.
- Bake the Pie:
- Stick your pie in a 425 F oven for about 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the crust turns golden and you see cheese bubbling around the edges. If the top gets too dark too fast, just lay some foil over it.
- Cool and Slice:
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes after taking it out. This helps everything stay together when you cut it. Use a sharp knife and serve while still warm for the best cheese pulls.
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My absolute favorite thing about making this pie is watching those pepperoni slices get all crispy on top. My kids always jump in to help arrange them, and we always end up joking about who's gonna get the slice with the most cheese.
Storage Tips
Once it's totally cool, put any leftover pie in a sealed container in the fridge. When you want to eat it again, warm it up in a 350 F oven with some loose foil on top. You can also cut individual pieces and freeze them for those nights when you don't feel like cooking.
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Ingredient Substitutions
If you can't find Italian sausage, just use more ground beef or try ground turkey instead. No pepperoni around? Cooked bacon bits or diced ham work great too. And pretty much any cheese that melts well can replace the mozzarella or cheddar, like fontina or Monterey jack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve big chunks of this pie with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables to make a complete meal. Want the full pizza party experience? Put out some warm marinara sauce in little bowls for dipping.
Cultural and Historical Context
Americans have loved thick, hearty savory pies for many years, drawing inspiration from Italian American pizza cooking. This dish combines all your favorite pizza toppings in a substantial pie that's just right for family get-togethers.
Common Questions
- → Can I use store-bought pie crust?
You bet! Pre-made crusts work great and cut down on prep time. Make your own if you're feeling fancy though.
- → Is it necessary to use both beef and sausage?
Not at all. Going with just beef or just sausage works fine. You can even swap in ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter.
- → Can I make this dish in advance?
You sure can. Put everything together early, stick it in the fridge, then bake it when you're ready to eat for the best results.
- → What cheese combinations are best?
Mozzarella gives you that awesome stretch and melt factor. Add cheddar or provolone for extra flavor kick. Try different mixes until you find your favorite.
- → How can I reheat leftovers?
Pop leftover slices in the oven at 350°F until they're hot all the way through. This keeps the crust nice and crispy.