How To Make Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie
Brown the meats:
Cook ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned, breaking up the larger chunks with a wooden spoon. This should take about 8 minutes. Drain the excess fat using a colander to prevent a soggy pie. Allow the meats to cool slightly while preparing other components.
Prepare the crust:
Preheat your oven to 220°C. Roll out the first pie crust, gently stretching it if needed to fit your deep-dish pie pan. Press it firmly against the bottom and sides, allowing about half an inch of overhang. This extra dough will help create a secure seal with the top crust.
Create the cheese base:
Spread half the mozzarella evenly across the bottom crust. This initial cheese layer creates a barrier that helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy from the meat and sauce. The cheese will also melt beautifully into the meat mixture as it bakes.
Layer the meats:
Distribute the cooled ground beef and Italian sausage mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Add half of the pepperoni slices, arranging them throughout the meat mixture for even distribution of flavor. The layering approach ensures every bite contains the perfect balance of ingredients.
Add sauce and seasonings:
Pour the pizza sauce or marinara over the meat layer, spreading it evenly with a spoon. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes across the sauce, distributing the seasonings evenly for consistent flavor throughout the pie.
Complete the filling:
Add the remaining mozzarella and all of the cheddar or provolone cheese on top of the sauce layer. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices decoratively across the cheese. This final meat and cheese layer will become beautifully melted and slightly crisp during baking.
Seal with top crust:
Place the second pie crust over the filled pie. Trim any excess dough, leaving about half an inch overhang. Fold and crimp the edges of both crusts together to create a tight seal. Brush the entire top crust with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder for extra flavor and an appealing golden finish.
Bake to perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, watching carefully after the 18-minute mark. The pie is done when the crust turns a deep golden brown and you can see cheese bubbling around the edges or through any vents you've cut. For extra insurance against soggy bottoms, place the pie pan on a preheated baking sheet.
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