Deep-Dish Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Description

This Deep-Dish Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is the ultimate comfort food—a savory, meaty, and cheesy dish inspired by Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Instead of a traditional crust, this version uses seasoned ground beef as the base, layered with Italian sausage, pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s hearty, indulgent, and perfect for family dinners, game nights, or whenever you’re craving something bold and satisfying.

Ingredients For Deep-Dish Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

• For the “Crust”:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (lean preferred)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 egg (to bind)

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)

• For the Filling:

  • ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)

  • 20–25 slices pepperoni

  • 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional, for extra richness)

  • ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

  • ½ small onion, diced

  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Topping:

  • Extra mozzarella & Parmesan

  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a deep pie dish or cast-iron skillet.

2. Make the meat crust: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Press evenly into the bottom and sides of the dish to form a “crust.”

3. Pre-bake crust: Bake for 10–12 minutes until slightly browned. Drain excess grease.

4. Cook sausage: In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Add onions and bell peppers, sauté until softened.

5. Assemble the pie:

   • Spread half of the mozzarella over the beef crust.

   • Add sausage mixture, mushrooms (if using), and half of the pepperoni.

   • Pour pizza sauce evenly over.

   • Add remaining cheese and top with the rest of the pepperoni.

   • Sprinkle oregano & Italian seasoning.

6. Bake: Return to oven for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Cool & serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Servings

• Serves: 6–8 slices

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 29g

• Fat: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 6g (with breadcrumbs; 3g if using almond flour)

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 780mg

Notes

• You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Use low-sodium marinara to control salt levels.

• Add spinach, olives, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

• For keto: replace breadcrumbs with almond flour and ensure sauce is sugar-free.

 Tips

• Pre-baking the meat crust prevents sogginess.

• Use a cast-iron skillet for an extra crispy crust.

• Letting it rest before slicing helps keep the layers intact.

• Shred your own cheese—pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that affect melting.

 Benefits

• High in protein – Keeps you full and supports muscle repair.

• Low-carb adaptable – Great for keto and low-carb lifestyles.

• Family-friendly – A hit with both kids and adults.

• Versatile – Add your favorite pizza toppings to customize.

 Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can it be frozen?
A: Absolutely. Bake first, cool, slice, and freeze portions. Reheat in oven for best results.

Q: What’s the best side dish?
A: A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies balance the richness.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and check that your sausage/pepperoni are dairy-free.