Step 1: Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain off any excess grease. This is a critical step for preventing a greasy Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned meat. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This slow simmer develops the rich base for your Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or springform pan.
Step 5: Carefully unroll one pie crust or pizza dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pan. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang. If using pizza dough, press it evenly and create a slight lip around the edge. This forms the foundation of your Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie.
Step 6: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust. This creates a cheesy layer that helps prevent a soggy bottom.
Step 7: Spoon the meat and sauce mixture over the mozzarella layer, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Top with the sliced pepperoni, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese. If desired, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor and browning. This layers the iconic flavors of the Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie.
Step 9: Place the second pie crust or pizza dough over the top of the pie. Crimp the edges together with the bottom crust to seal, or fold the top dough over the filling and tuck it in if using a springform pan. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. For a golden crust, brush with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water).
Step 10: Bake the Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Step 11: Let the pie rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set, making for cleaner slices of your Deep Hamburger Sausage & Pepperoni Pie.