Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie: A Hearty Delight
Introduction
This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy hamburger, savory sausage, and spicy pepperoni in a flaky crust. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks, this pie is packed with bold flavors and cheesy goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 4-6 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Tips
- Pre-Cook the Meat: Cook the ground beef and sausage thoroughly before assembling the pie.
- Chill the Dough: Ensure the pie crust dough stays cold for a flaky texture.
- Customize Veggies: Add mushrooms, olives, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Layer Cheese Wisely: Spread the cheese evenly for a gooey, melty center.
- Use Store-Bought Crust: For convenience, substitute with a pre-made pie crust.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Add chilled butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef, sausage, onion, and bell peppers (if using) until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, pizza sauce, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch deep pie dish. Trim any excess dough and reserve for the top crust (optional).
- Spread half the cheese mixture over the bottom of the crust. Add the meat mixture, pressing gently to spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheese.
Step 4: Add Top Crust (Optional)
- Roll out the reserved dough and place it over the pie. Pinch the edges to seal and cut small slits for ventilation.
- If skipping the top crust, sprinkle additional cheese or pepperoni on top for a decorative touch.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the pie cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Description
This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a savory explosion of flavors, featuring a flaky crust, rich meat filling, and layers of gooey cheese. It’s a hearty meal that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
Recommendations
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and crust in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the pie, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cook time.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or extra chili flakes for a spicier version.
Conclusion
This Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a show-stopping dish that combines classic pizza flavors with the comfort of a savory pie. Perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in a hearty meal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!