Hello, pizza lovers! I’m Meriem, your passionate chef and food blogger, and I’m thrilled to share a recipe that combines the hearty satisfaction of a burger with the classic flavors of pizza: Deep Hamburger & Pepperoni Pizza Pie. This deep-dish delight features a pre-made pie crust filled with seasoned ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, spicy pepperoni, and melty cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or a cozy meal, it’s ready in just 45 minutes. Drawing from your love for savory, cheesy dishes (like the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs, and The Best Crock Pot Meatloaf) and pizza-inspired recipes (like the Steak and Shrimp Fajita Skillet , for bold flavors), this pizza pie is a must-try. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Pie Recipe
- Pizza Meets Pie: A fun twist on pizza with a flaky pie crust.
- Hearty and Cheesy: Packed with beef, pepperoni, and cheddar.
- Quick and Easy: Uses a pre-made crust for convenience, ready in 45 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or family meals.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings or spices.
What you will need + Substitution Options
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch, refrigerated or frozen)
Purpose: Forms the flaky, buttery base for the pie.
Substitution: Use a homemade pie crust, puff pastry, or a gluten-free pie crust, as you’ve explored in recipes like the Decadent Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies. - 1 lb ground beef (80/20, 450 g)
Purpose: Provides hearty, savory filling.
Substitution: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative, as you’ve used in recipes like the Flavorful Ground Beef Ramen Skillet . - ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (50 g)
Purpose: Adds spicy, tangy flavor and classic pizza appeal.
Substitution: Use regular pepperoni (chopped), turkey pepperoni, or vegan pepperoni, as you’ve customized in recipes like the Vibrant Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl. - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (150 g)
Purpose: Creates a gooey, melty topping.
Substitution: Use mozzarella, Colby-Jack, or a vegan cheddar alternative, as you’ve used in recipes like the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs. - ¾ cup pizza sauce (180 ml)
Purpose: Adds tangy, tomatoey flavor to the filling.
Substitution: Use marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, or pesto, as you’ve used in recipes like the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. - 1 clove garlic, minced
Purpose: Infuses the beef with aromatic depth.
Substitution: Use ¼ tsp garlic powder or 1 tbsp roasted garlic (milder), as you’ve used in recipes like the Sizzling Steak and Shrimp Fajita Skillet. - ½ tsp salt
Purpose: Seasons the beef filling.
Substitution: Use kosher salt or a salt-free seasoning blend, aligning with your preferences in recipes like the Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars. - ¼ tsp black pepper
Purpose: Adds mild heat and depth.
Substitution: Use white pepper, cayenne (spicier), or a steak seasoning blend, as you’ve used in recipes like the The Best Crock Pot Meatloaf. - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Purpose: Enhances the pizza flavor with herbaceous notes.
Substitution: Use ½ tsp dried oregano + ½ tsp dried basil, or a pizza seasoning blend, as you’ve customized in recipes like the Zesty Lemon Coffee Cake. - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Purpose: Adds a fresh, colorful garnish.
Substitution: Use 1 tsp dried parsley, fresh basil, or omit, as you’ve used in recipes like the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs.
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Tips)
Preheat and Prep Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Press 1 pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Flute the edges for a decorative look.
- Tip: Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing.
Cook the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef with 1 clove minced garlic until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Break up the beef with a spatula as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.
- Tip: Cook until no pink remains for food safety.
Season and Add Sauce
- Season the cooked beef with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir in ¾ cup pizza sauce and simmer for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Layer the Filling
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared pie crust.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, then layer ½ cup mini pepperoni slices evenly on top.
- Tip: Distribute pepperoni evenly for balanced flavor.
Top and Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the pepperoni.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with a pie shield or foil.
- Tip: Check at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking; ovens vary.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Let the pie cool for 5 minutes to set, then slice into 6 wedges and serve warm.
- Tip: Serve immediately for melty cheese.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Topping Suggestions
- Extra Pepperoni: More spicy, crispy slices on top.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy and savory addition.
- Diced Green Peppers: Fresh and crunchy for color.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy kick for heat lovers.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh and aromatic for flair.
- Extra Cheese: Mozzarella or Parmesan for gooeyness.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage:
- Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Tip: Wrap slices individually in foil to prevent drying.
- Freezing:
- Freeze baked slices or the whole pie in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil and a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Tip: Slice before freezing for easy portioning.
- Reheating:
- Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. Add fresh parsley after reheating.
- Tip: Reheat in the oven for a crisp crust,.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Pie Crust → Puff Pastry: Flakier, richer base.
- Ground Beef → Ground Turkey: Leaner protein alternative.
- Pepperoni → Turkey Pepperoni: Lower-fat option.
- Cheddar Cheese → Mozzarella: Stretchy, classic pizza cheese.
- Pizza Sauce → Marinara: Similar tomatoey flavor.
What to Serve with Deep Hamburger & Pepperoni Pizza Pie
- Caesar Salad: Crisp and tangy for a fresh side.
- Garlic Bread: Buttery and crunchy for dipping in extra sauce.
- Soda: Cola or lemon-lime for a classic pairing.
- Pickle Spears: Tart and crunchy for balance.
FAQs
Can I make vegetarian pepperoni pizza pie?
Yes! Swap ground beef for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu and use vegan pepperoni and cheese. Ensure the pie crust is vegan-friendly.
How do I keep the pie crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the crust for 5–7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding filling, and drain beef thoroughly.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Yes, mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses would work well.
Deep Hamburger & Pepperoni Pizza Pie
Indulge in this deep hamburger & pepperoni pizza pie, with savory ground beef, zesty pepperoni, and gooey cheddar in a flaky pie crust. Ready in 45 minutes, 480 kcal per slice!
Equipment
- 9-inch deep-dish pie pan
- Skillet (for cooking beef)
- Spatula or wooden spoon (for stirring beef)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board (for mincing garlic and parsley)
- Oven mitts (for safe handling)
- Optional: Pie shield or foil (to prevent crust overbrowning)
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup min pepperoni slices
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and press the pie crust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, fluting the edges.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with minced garlic until browned, about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat.
- Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then stir in pizza sauce and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the pie crust, then layer with 1 cup of cheddar cheese and top with pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the pepperoni and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
This Deep Hamburger & Pepperoni Pizza Pie is a hearty, cheesy masterpiece with savory ground beef, zesty pepperoni, and gooey cheddar in a flaky pie crust, perfect for family dinners or game nights. Inspired by your love for savory, cheesy recipes (like the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs and The Best Crock Pot Meatloaf) and bold flavors (like the Sizzling Steak and Shrimp Fajita Skillet), this recipe is a must-try. Try it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, pair with a Caesar salad, and share your experience in the comments below. Happy baking, and enjoy every cheesy, pizza-filled bite!
