Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up into smaller pieces as they cook. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
   • Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic powder, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
   • Stir in the chopped pepperoni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   • Add the marinara sauce to the meat mixture and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the mixture is well incorporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. You will need enough dough to line the bottom and sides of a deep-dish pie pan or a 9-inch round baking dish. If using a rectangular dish, adjust the dough accordingly to fit the shape.
   • Carefully transfer the dough into the pie pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Let the excess dough hang over the edges of the pan for now.
3. Assemble the Pie:
   • Once the filling has cooled slightly, spoon it into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the meat mixture.
   • Fold the excess dough over the top, creating a rustic, crimped edge. Don’t worry about the pie being perfectly closed—this will give it a charming, homemade look.
4. Bake the Pie:
   • Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.
   • Sprinkle dried oregano on top of the crust if desired for added flavor.
   • Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Let it Cool and Serve:
   • Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the filling to set and make slicing easier.
   • Serve hot, and enjoy the delightful combination of savory meats, gooey cheese, and a flaky, buttery crust!

Tips and Variations:

• Add More Veggies: For added nutrition, you can throw in some mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the meat filling.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking.
• Change the Meats: Experiment with different types of sausage or even chicken sausage. You can also add bacon or ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Make it Ahead: This pie can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a flavorful, filling meal that combines all the things we love about pizza with the comforting heartiness of a meat pie. The rich blend of ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and gooey cheese is perfectly balanced with the crisp, flaky pizza dough crust. This dish is a great way to satisfy your craving for savory, cheesy goodness with a unique twist on classic pizza ingredients.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a hearty meal with your family, this deep-dish pie is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to leave everyone coming back for seconds!