Description

If you love deep-dish pizza and savory meat pies, this comforting, ultra-hearty dish brings the best of both worlds. Packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to assemble. Perfect for game day, gatherings, or whenever you want something warm, filling, and irresistibly cheesy.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Sauce

2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 cup sliced pepperoni
2 small onions, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups pizza or marinara sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Crust & Cheese

2 deep-dish pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
3 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup provolone or cheddar
½ cup grated Parmesan

Optional Finishing

1 tbsp melted butter mixed with garlic (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Heat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a deep-dish pie pan or springform pan.
Tip: If using a springform pan, wrap the outside in foil to catch drips.

2. Brown the Meats

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

3. Cook the Aromatics

Add onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

4. Add Sauce & Seasoning

Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Tip: Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes so it doesn’t soften the crust.

5. Assemble the Pie

Press one pie crust into the dish, up the sides.
Add half the meat mixture.
Add half the pepperoni.
Add 1/3 of the cheese blend.
Repeat with the remaining meat, pepperoni, and another 1/3 of the cheese.
Place the second crust on top, seal the edges, and cut 3–4 slits for steam.

6. Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake 25 minutes.
Remove foil, add the remaining cheese on top, and bake 10–15 minutes more until golden and bubbly.

7. Rest Before Serving

Let the pie rest 15 minutes to set the layers before slicing.

Notes

Prevent a soggy crust: always let the filling cool before adding it.
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
Add veggies: mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach fit perfectly in the layers.
Freeze for later: assemble fully, wrap tightly, freeze unbaked, and add 15–20 minutes to the bake time.