If you’re anything like me, there are days when you just need something hearty, cheesy, and downright satisfying on the dinner table. That’s exactly where this Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie comes in. Imagine all the best parts of a meat-lover’s pizza — juicy ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, gooey cheese, and crispy pepperoni — packed into a flaky deep-dish pie crust and baked to bubbling perfection. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning your game-day spread, this recipe delivers every time. And the best part? It’s super customizable and surprisingly simple to throw together. I’ve made this pie for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and even as a make-ahead freezer meal, and it never disappoints.

Let’s walk through the first steps to building this savory masterpiece.

Meat-Lovers Pie with a Pizza Twist

One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is that it takes familiar, comfort-food flavors and wraps them up in a fun, unexpected format — pie! It’s kind of like a deep-dish pizza met a hearty casserole and decided to make dinner magic together.

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ pound Italian sausage, casing removed

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 deep-dish pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)

Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s jump into the first few steps.

STEP 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you time to prep your filling while your oven gets nice and hot — a key step for achieving that golden, crispy crust.

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STEP 2: Cook the Meat and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, sausage (make sure it’s out of the casing), and finely chopped onion. As it cooks, break up the meat with your spatula or spoon to make sure it browns evenly.

You’re looking for that perfect balance — browned meat with softened onion and minimal grease. Once the meat is fully cooked and crumbly, go ahead and drain off any extra fat. This helps prevent your pie from getting soggy later on.

STEP 3: Add Garlic, Sauce, and Seasoning

Now comes the flavor punch. Stir in your minced garlic, pizza or marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and just a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the sauce to reduce slightly and all those savory flavors to blend together.

At this point, your kitchen should be smelling absolutely amazing — like the inside of your favorite Italian pizzeria!

STEP 4: Prepare the Pie Crust

While the filling finishes simmering, grab your deep-dish pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the sides so it fits snugly. If you’re using a store-bought crust, let it sit out at room temperature for a few minutes first so it’s easier to work with. (And if you made your own from scratch — extra gold stars!)

STEP 5: Layer Meat, Cheese & Pepperoni (First Layer)

Now for the fun part — building the layers. Spoon half of the meat mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon.

Next, sprinkle on half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and layer on half of the sliced pepperoni. This gives you that classic pizza taste right in the center of the pie.

Now that we’ve built the first half of our deliciously meaty pie, it’s time to finish assembling, bake it up until golden and bubbly, and talk through a few easy ways to make this recipe your own. If you’re someone who loves a crispy crust and layers of melty cheese, you’re about to be in comfort food heaven.

I’ll also share a few helpful tips for reheating, storing, and switching up ingredients — because we all love a recipe that can do double-duty for family dinner and next-day leftovers.

Let’s pick up right where we left off.

STEP 6: Add Remaining Meat, Cheese & Pepperoni

With your first layer of meat, mozzarella, and pepperoni in place, go ahead and spoon in the rest of the meat mixture. Use your spoon to gently press it down and spread it evenly across the first layer.

Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the rest of your pepperoni slices, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan over everything. This adds a salty, cheesy bite right on top and helps create that beautiful golden finish after baking.

STEP 7: Brush with Egg Wash

To give the crust that shiny, golden color, take your beaten egg and lightly brush it along the exposed edges of the pie crust. It might seem like a small step, but it makes such a big difference in the final look and texture.

If you want to get a little fancy, you can also sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning or garlic powder around the edge for a little extra flavor.

STEP 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place your assembled pie in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

The cheese should be melted and slightly browned on top, and the smell wafting through your kitchen will be enough to gather the whole family around.

If the crust starts to brown a bit too quickly, you can loosely tent the edges with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

STEP 9: Let It Rest Before Slicing

Once your pie is out of the oven, the hardest part is waiting. But don’t skip this step — let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting. This allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to slice and serve without everything sliding apart.

Now you’ve got a dinner that’s packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of indulgence.

Make It Your Own: Easy Tips & Variations

While this pie is absolutely delicious just as it is, there’s plenty of room to play around with ingredients depending on what your family loves — or what you have in the fridge.

Here are some simple swaps and ideas:

• Mix Up the Sausage: Try using a combination of spicy and mild Italian sausage for a more layered flavor. You can also swap in turkey sausage for a lighter option.

• Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some vegetables? Layer in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or black olives for a pizza-style upgrade.

• Extra Creamy? Add Ricotta: A spoonful of ricotta cheese between the meat layers brings a lasagna-like creaminess that’s seriously comforting.

• Try Different Cheeses: Mozzarella is classic, but a little provolone or sharp cheddar can add richness and stretch. Just don’t skip the Parmesan on top — it adds so much flavor.

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or top with spicy pepperoni for a kick.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This pie doesn’t just taste amazing right out of the oven — it keeps and reheats like a champ, too. That makes it perfect for leftovers, meal prep, or even making ahead for busy weeknights.

Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a quick lunch. The oven keeps the crust crisp, while the microwave is great for convenience.

• Freeze: You can also freeze the whole pie (after baking and cooling). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.