The Ultimate Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

What Is Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie?

Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is the comfort food hero you never knew you needed—a glorious union of the rustic charm of a hearty meat pie and the unreserved boldness of pizza. Imagine a flaky, buttery crust that contains all the best elements of a meat lover’s pizza. It’s flavorful. It’s cheesy. It’s uplifting.

A Comfort Food Classic With a Meaty Twist

Fundamentally, this dish evokes feelings of nostalgia—imagine family dinners, second helpings, and the kind of meal that makes you unbutton your jeans with no regrets. The twist, though? A simple pie is transformed into a masterpiece that is delectable by the addition of three meats, which gives it a carnivorous kick.

How This Dish Combines the Best of Pizza and Pie

Pie’s bold alter ego and pizza’s rebellious cousin, it’s made up of seasoned ground beef, sausage, zesty pepperoni, and gooey melted cheese all wrapped up in a pie shell that keeps everything together like a tasty edible hug.

Ingredients:

For the Crust

• 1 box Pillsbury ready-to-bake pie crusts (2 rolled crusts)

For the Filling

• ½ lb ground beef

• ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 1 cup pepperoni slices

• 1½ cups pizza sauce or marinara

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 3 tbsp melted butter (for brushing top crust)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
Drain off any excess grease and set the meat aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Unroll one of the pie crusts and press it gently into a deep-dish pie pan or oven-safe skillet, making sure it covers the bottom and sides.

Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the bottom of the crust.
Layer on the cooked meat mixture, pressing it down gently.
Add half of the pepperoni slices in an even layer.

Spoon the pizza sauce over the top and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Top with the remaining mozzarella and all of the cheddar or provolone cheese.
Finish with the remaining pepperoni slices.

Step 4: Seal and Top
Place the second pie crust over the filling. Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal.
Brush the top crust with melted butter and sprinkle with a pinch of garlic powder for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pie rest for a few minutes before slicing into hearty wedges. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded With Bold, Savory Flavors

This isn’t a dainty dish. It’s flavor-forward, bursting with seasoned meats, tangy pepperoni, and melted cheese that stretches like a dream. Every bite is rich, satisfying, and layered with umami goodness.

Perfect for Game Day, Potlucks, or Weeknight Dinners

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to survive Monday, this pie is a champion. It travels well, reheats like a champ, and pleases every palate from picky kids to carnivorous adults.

Kid-Approved and Crowd-Pleasing

Kids love the cheesy, saucy vibe. Grown-ups go nuts over the meat medley. It’s basically a peace treaty wrapped in pastry.

Choosing the Right Meat Combo

What Kind of Hamburger Works Best

Stick with 80/20 ground chuck. Leaner beef tends to dry out and we’re going for juicy and rich here.

Spicy or Mild Sausage? Your Call

Mild Italian sausage is classic, but spicy sausage adds a kick that cuts through the richness. Bonus points if you go half-and-half.

Why Sliced vs. Chopped Pepperoni Matters

Sliced gives you those iconic curls and crispy edges. Chopped distributes the flavor evenly in every bite. There’s no wrong answer—only delicious ones.

Cheese, Please: Picking the Perfect Melt

Mozzarella, Cheddar, or a Cheesy Blend

Mozzarella melts like a dream, cheddar adds sharpness, and a blend keeps things interesting. The holy trinity of comfort cheese.

Creamy Additions for Extra Gooeyness

Add a dollop of cream cheese or ricotta to the mix for silky smooth texture that feels like cheese fondue snuck into dinner.

Using Cheese as a Flavor Balancer

Cheese isn’t just filler—it cuts the saltiness of the meat and adds a mellow creaminess that ties everything together.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Pie Crust

When to Make It From Scratch

If you’ve got the time, make it. Homemade crust is flakier, richer, and deeply satisfying. Plus, your kitchen will smell like heaven.

Best Store-Bought Options That Hold Up

Refrigerated rolled pie crusts work well. Avoid the pre-baked kind—it won’t hold up to all that glorious filling.

Tips for a Crisp, Buttery Crust Every Time

Blind bake it slightly. Brush with egg wash. And always—always—bake on the bottom oven rack.

Flavor Boosters That Take It Over the Top

Sautéed Onions and Garlic for Depth

A quick sauté of onion and garlic in the meat pan adds complexity and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.

Italian Seasoning, Crushed Red Pepper, and More

Italian seasoning blends in the background, while crushed red pepper adds zing. Oregano and basil? Absolutely.

A Dash of Worcestershire or Hot Sauce

A little umami bomb like Worcestershire gives depth. Want heat? A splash of your favorite hot sauce wakes everything up.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

How to Prep in Advance Without Losing Texture

Assemble fully and refrigerate unbaked up to 24 hours. Just add 5 extra minutes to bake time.

Freezing and Reheating Without Drying Out

Freeze after baking. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep it moist, then uncover to crisp it up.

Serving Suggestions That Wow

What to Serve With Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

A crisp Caesar salad. Garlic knots. Roasted green beans. Anything fresh or crunchy to balance the richness.

Side Dishes That Complement the Bold Flavors

Think tangy coleslaw, balsamic roasted veggies, or a citrusy arugula salad. Bold meets bright.

Toppings and Sauces That Elevate Every Bite

Drizzle with hot honey. Serve with a side of marinara. Or go wild with ranch or garlic aioli. No judgment here.

How to Turn It Into Mini Pies or Hand Pies

Great for Meal Prep or Parties

Use muffin tins or fold small rounds of dough over the filling for hand pies. They’re portable and adorable.

Fun for Kids and Easy to Pack

Kids love food they can hold. These minis are lunchbox legends. Bonus: no utensils required.

Turning Leftovers Into New Meals

Creative Ways to Reheat and Repurpose

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water. Or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.

From Breakfast Scramble to Pie-Stuffed Sandwiches

Chop and toss into scrambled eggs. Or press between sourdough slices with extra cheese and grill until golden.

Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Alternatives

Crust Substitutes That Still Deliver Flavor

Use almond flour crust, cauliflower crust, or even a hashbrown base. Yes, really.

Adjusting Ingredients Without Sacrificing Taste

Stick with full-flavor meats and cheeses. Add fresh herbs for brightness and avoid low-fat cheese—it just won’t melt the same.

FAQs:

Overloading the Pie and Making It Soggy

Less is more. Pile too high and your crust will weep. Keep it generous but balanced.

Undercooking the Crust

Nobody likes a raw-bottomed pie. Pre-bake or use a baking steel for extra insurance.

How to Keep Cheese From Greasing Out

Use part-skim mozzarella or blot your pepperoni. A little grease is flavor, too much is regret.

Variations Worth Trying

BBQ-Inspired Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Swap marinara for BBQ sauce, use smoked gouda, and add caramelized onions. It’s smoky, sweet, and seriously good.

Southwest-Style With Jalapeños and Corn

Add black beans, fire-roasted corn, pepper jack, and jalapeños for a Tex-Mex explosion.

Buffalo Chicken Version With a Meaty Twist

Use ground chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch drizzle. Buffalo wing lovers, rejoice.

Pairing Ideas for Drinks and Desserts

Best Beers, Wines, and Sodas for This Pie

Go for a hoppy IPA, a bold red like zinfandel, or a classic cola. Bubbles cut through the richness like a charm.

Desserts That Match the Comfort Food Vibe

Think chocolate chip cookies, apple crumble, or anything warm and gooey. You’re already going all in—why stop now?

What Readers Are Saying

Fan-Favorite Reviews and Feedback

“This pie disappeared in 10 minutes.” “My picky eater had seconds.” “I brought it to a potluck and left with an empty dish.” Enough said.

Most Popular Customizations

Bacon crumbles, jalapeño slices, mushroom medleys, and spicy sausage swaps. People get creative—and hungry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking straight from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I freeze it?
Definitely. Bake the pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

What can I use instead of Pillsbury crust?
You can substitute with homemade pie crust or use puff pastry for a flakier texture. Just be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the hearty filling.

How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Sprinkling cheese directly onto the bottom crust before adding the meat helps create a moisture barrier. You can also pre-bake the bottom crust for 5–7 minutes before filling.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter but equally tasty option. Just season well to boost the flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes and spicy sausage are optional. Go mild for a kid-friendly version or dial up the heat to your taste.

Can I turn this into mini pies or hand pies?
Yes! Just use smaller rounds of dough and reduce the bake time to about 15–18 minutes. Great for parties or lunchboxes.

Conclusion:

For meat lovers, pizza enthusiasts, and anybody else who enjoys a golden, flaky crust encasing a cheesy, saucy, flavorful filling, this hamburger sausage and pepperoni pie is the ultimate comfort food. This pie is incredibly satisfying whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game night, or simply in the mood for something comforting and nostalgic. Serve it hot, cut it into thick slices, and don’t be shocked if it quickly becomes a kitchen classic.

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