Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 30–35 mins | Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- The Crust: 2 sheets of refrigerated pie crust or pizza dough.
- The Meat Layers:
- 1 lb lean ground beef, browned and seasoned.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage crumbles, cooked.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices.
- The Sauce: 1.5 cups thick marinara or pizza sauce.
- The Cheese: 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided.
- Garnish: Dried oregano and freshly chopped parsley.
Instructions
- Prep the Base: Fit one sheet of dough into a deep-dish pie plate or springform pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
- Brown & Season: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage until fully browned. Drain the grease and stir in a small amount of pizza sauce to keep the meat moist.
- Layer 1: Spread half of the meat mixture into the bottom of the crust. Top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella.
- Layer 2: Add the second layer of meat and more cheese. If using a second sheet of dough as a middle layer, place it now and repeat the meat and cheese process.
- The Top: Finish with a final layer of sauce and cheese. Arrange the pepperoni slices across the top in an even layer.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.
- Rest: Let the pie sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This is the secret to getting those perfect, clean layers that stay together when served.