The Ultimate Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: A Meat Lover’s Dream

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between ordering a pizza, digging into a hearty meat pie, or building the ultimate burger, we have the solution. Welcome to the Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie, a culinary creation that defies categorization and delivers pure, unadulterated comfort in every single bite. This isn’t just a casserole; it’s a layered, deep-dish experience that combines the best elements of your favorite savory treats into one show-stopping centerpiece. Imagine a flaky, golden-brown crust giving way to a richly seasoned hamburger layer, a savory sausage stratum, and a cheesy, pepperoni-studded top that bubbles with Italian flair. This recipe is designed for those who believe a meal isn’t complete without a serious dose of protein and cheese, all baked into a cohesive, unforgettable dish.

The magic of this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie lies in its beautiful simplicity and incredible depth of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without fuss—a reliable weeknight hero that feels celebratory enough for a weekend gathering. The combination of textures, from the crisp crust to the tender, savory fillings, is a symphony for the senses. It’s the ultimate comfort food that answers the age-old question: “What’s for dinner?” with a resounding and satisfying, “Something amazing.”

The Anatomy of the Ultimate Comfort Food

What exactly makes this pie so special? It’s all in the layers. Each component is carefully chosen to build upon the last, creating a complex flavor profile that is far greater than the sum of its parts.

• The Foundation – The Crust: We start with a solid, buttery, and flaky crust that can hold up to the substantial filling. It’s not a dainty pastry; it’s a robust vessel that becomes golden and crisp, providing the perfect textural contrast to the rich interior.
• The First Layer – Savory Hamburger: The base layer is a classic hamburger mix, elevated with sautéed onions, garlic, and a special blend of Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. This creates a deeply savory, umami-rich foundation that is reminiscent of the best homemade sloppy joe or burger patty, but better.
• The Second Layer – Hearty Sausage: Next comes a layer of savory pork sausage. This adds a fennel-kissed, herby dimension that contrasts beautifully with the straightforward beefy flavor. It introduces a different kind of richness and a slightly coarser texture that makes every forkful interesting.
• The Grand Finale – The Pepperoni & Cheese Stratum: The top layer is where the pizza magic happens. A simple, creamy mixture of ricotta and egg binds together a generous helping of mozzarella cheese and classic pepperoni slices. As it bakes, this layer becomes bubbly, golden, and infuses the entire pie with its signature spicy, salty, and cheesy character.

This structural approach ensures that you get a perfect cross-section of all flavors in every single bite. It’s a masterclass in comfort food engineering.

Gathering Your Ingredients

The ingredient list is straightforward, relying on readily available items to create something truly extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need to build your masterpiece.

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Hamburger Layer:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sausage Layer:

• ½ pound ground pork sausage (mild or hot, based on preference)

For the Pepperoni-Cheese Topping:

• 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces sliced pepperoni, divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions to Perfection

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a pie that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits of butter remaining. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just begins to clump together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, gather it into a ball, then flatten into a disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat and Roll: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12-13 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is just set but not browned. Remove from the oven.
3. Cook the Hamburger Layer: While the crust is chilling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes to let the flavors meld. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Cook the Sausage Layer: In the same skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat, breaking it up, until fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
5. Assemble the Pie: This is where the magic happens. Spread the cooled hamburger mixture evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. Next, layer the cooked sausage evenly over the hamburger layer. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Spread this cheese mixture carefully over the sausage layer. Arrange half of the pepperoni slices over the ricotta layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the Italian seasoning. Artfully arrange the remaining pepperoni slices over the top.
6. Bake to Golden Glory: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to spot with gold, and the center is hot. If the crust or top is browning too quickly, tent the pie loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut clean slices. Serve warm and watch the faces light up.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pie

• Keep it Cold: The key to a flaky crust is keeping the butter cold. Work quickly and return the dough to the fridge if it becomes too soft while handling.
• Don’t Skip the Blind Bake: Pre-baking (blind baking) the crust is essential for this wet filling. It prevents a soggy bottom and ensures a crisp, fully cooked base.
• Drain Your Meat: Taking the time to drain the excess fat from the cooked hamburger and sausage will prevent your pie from becoming greasy.
• Customize Your Layers: This recipe is a canvas for your creativity. Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or a handful of spinach between the meat layers. Swap the pork sausage for Italian turkey sausage for a lighter option.
• The Rest is Non-Negotiable: It can be tempting to dive right in, but allowing the pie to rest is what allows the cheesy layer to set, ensuring you get a perfect, photogenic slice rather than a delicious but messy puddle.

Serving Suggestions and Cultural Context

The Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a hearty, all-in-one meal that stands proudly on its own. However, a simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette can cut through the richness beautifully. It’s also fantastic served with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate carb-loaded feast.

While this dish is a modern American invention, its roots are deeply embedded in the classic comfort foods of the Midwest and the Italian-American tradition. It takes the concept of the “Minnesota Hotdish” or “Iowa Ham Balls” and elevates it with a pizza parlor sensibility. It’s a testament to the American melting pot, where culinary traditions collide to create something new, delicious, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of food you’d find at a family reunion or a potluck, where it would undoubtedly be the first platter to be emptied.

This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of savory flavors, a project that is fun to assemble, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. So, preheat your oven, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create the ultimate meat lover’s dream.

Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

A layered deep-dish pie with a savory hamburger base, hearty sausage, and a cheesy pepperoni topping.

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 580

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
• 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Hamburger Layer

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

For the Sausage Layer

• 0.5 lb ground pork sausage

For the Pepperoni-Cheese Topping

• 1.5 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz sliced pepperoni divided
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

• 9-inch Deep Dish Pie Plate
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter
• Baking sheet

Method

 

1. Prepare the crust: Whisk flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough and fit into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Crimp edges. Prick bottom with a fork, line with parchment, and fill with pie weights. Blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake 5 more minutes. Set aside.
3. For the hamburger layer: Heat oil in a skillet. Cook onion until soft. Add garlic, cook 1 minute. Add beef and cook until browned. Drain fat. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes. Set aside.
4. For the sausage layer: In the same skillet, cook sausage until browned. Drain grease. Set aside.
5. For the topping: In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until combined.
6. Assemble the pie: Spread hamburger mixture in the crust. Top with sausage layer. Carefully spread the ricotta mixture over the sausage. Arrange half the pepperoni on top. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and Italian seasoning. Top with remaining pepperoni.
7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until golden, bubbly, and heated through. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
8. Let the pie rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Letting the pie rest is crucial for clean slices. You can use a pre-made pie crust to save time, but a homemade one is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture.