What happens when you combine sausage, pepperoni and melted mozzarella in a homemade pie? A weeknight dinner game changer. This easy deep dish pie is loaded with hamburger, savory sausage and pepperoni, perfect for a quick family favorite meal. Save this idea

Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Introduction

This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a creative twist on traditional savory pies, combining the richness of hamburger, the spice of sausage, and the smoky flavor of pepperoni in a deep, satisfying dish. What makes this recipe truly special is its accessibility – using everyday ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and offers an impressive result with minimal effort. The blend of textures and flavors is sure to delight both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The best part? It’s highly customizable, allowing you to tweak the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni provides a robust and savory flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Plus, these ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making the recipe highly accessible.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this pie is surprisingly easy to prepare. The filling can be cooked in advance, and the assembly requires minimal fuss, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The deep pie format allows for a generous serving size and a dramatic presentation that’s sure to impress dinner guests. Yet, the steps to achieve this are straightforward and require no special cooking skills.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie include ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions, bell peppers, tomato sauce, and pie crust. For the ground beef, you can use any lean to medium lean ratio for the best flavor. Italian sausage adds a nice spice, but you can substitute it with Chorizo for an even spicier version. Pepperoni is crucial for its smoky flavor, but feel free to add other meats like bacon or ham for added depth. Onions and bell peppers add a necessary crunch and sweetness, while tomato sauce binds all the flavors together. Finally, a homemade or store-bought pie crust serves as the perfect vessel for this hearty filling.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, chop the onions and bell peppers into small pieces. Cook the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and bell peppers and cook until they’re tender, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat from the skillet. Then, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, along with the pepperoni, tomato sauce, and any desired spices. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavors are well combined.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pie crust and place it into a deep dish pie plate. Fill the pie crust with the meat and sauce mixture, making sure to fill it to the top. If using, add some shredded mozzarella cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
4. Step 4: Cover the pie with another pie crust or with foil if you prefer a crustless top. Crimp the edges to seal the pie and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with some egg wash for a golden glaze. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Handy Tips

• To avoid a soggy crust, make sure to cook the filling until it’s hot and bubbly, and consider baking the pie crust for a few minutes before adding the filling. Also, don’t overfill the pie, as this can cause the crust to become soggy during baking.

Heat Control

For this recipe, maintaining the right oven temperature is crucial. The ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C), and the pie should be baked for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the pie is done when the crust is golden brown, and the filling is hot and bubbly. If you’re unsure, you can always check the internal temperature of the filling, which should be at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right texture in this pie is key to its success. The crust should be crispy on the outside and flaky, while the filling should be hot, savory, and slightly tender from the vegetables. To ensure your crust doesn’t become soggy, pre-baking it for a few minutes can help. Additionally, not overmixing the filling and using the right ratio of meats to vegetables will keep the textures balanced and enjoyable.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One expert tip is to chill your pie crust in the freezer for about 10 minutes before rolling it out. This will help the crust hold its shape better and prevent it from shrinking during baking. Additionally, using a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta, can add depth and richness to the filling.

Storage Tips

• This pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. To freeze, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly. For reheating, cover the pie with foil to prevent the crust from burning and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this pie, a thoughtful presentation can make it an even more special gesture. Consider wrapping the cooled pie in decorative tin foil or placing it in a pie box. You can also add a personal touch with a handwritten note or a small bouquet of fresh herbs. For a more rustic look, wrap the pie in a checkered cloth and tie it with twine.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Experiment with various spice blends, such as Italian seasoning, paprika, or chili powder, to give your pie a unique flavor profile.
• Creative toppings: Add some creativity to your pie with toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for extra flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you could use ground turkey or beef, or add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your crust turns out soggy, it might be due to overfilling the pie or not pre-baking the crust. Adjust your filling amount and pre-baking time accordingly for better results.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t hesitate to substitute it with something similar. For example, if you don’t have pepperoni, you could use salami or ham instead.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your pie while it’s baking, and check it frequently to avoid overcooking. If the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly, it’s done. If not, give it a few more minutes and check again.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, this pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply let it cool, wrap it tightly, and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Is it gluten-free? The pie crust typically contains gluten, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free alternative if needed. Also, be mindful of the ingredients in the sausage and pepperoni to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, this recipe can be doubled or even tripled if you’re serving a large crowd. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger pie will take longer to cook through.

Conclusion

This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its rich flavors, hearty texture, and impressive presentation, it’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this pie is sure to delight, and with the tips and variations provided, you’ll be well on your way to creating a culinary masterpiece.