Meaty Deep-Dish Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

1. Preheat

• Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a deep-dish pie pan or 9-inch springform pan.
  (Place springform pan on a foil-lined sheet to catch drips.)

2. Cook the Meats

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage, breaking it up as it cooks.

2. Drain excess fat.

3. Add onions and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Add Sauce & Seasonings

1. Stir in pizza/marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

2. Simmer 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

3. Remove from heat.

4. Build the Base

• Press one pie crust into the greased pan, covering bottom and up the sides.

5. Layer the Pie

Layer in this order:

Layer 1

• Half of the meat mixture

• Half of the pepperoni slices

• Half of the mozzarella + optional provolone/Parmesan

Layer 2

• Remaining meat mixture

• Remaining pepperoni

• Remaining cheese (pile it high)

6. Add Top Crust (Optional)

• Place the second crust over the top.

• Crimp edges to seal.

• Cut 3–4 slits for venting.
  (OR skip the top crust for an open-faced deep-dish bake.)

7. Bake

1. Tent pie loosely with foil.

2. Bake 25 minutes.

3. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until cheese is bubbling and crust is golden.

8. Rest

• Let the pie rest 15 minutes before slicing.
  (Critical for clean, tight layers.)