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Deep-Dish Cheeseburger Pepperoni Pizza Pie

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Deep-Dish Cheeseburger Pepperoni Pizza Pie

Description

Deep-Dish Cheeseburger Pepperoni Pizza Pie is a rich, hearty, and crowd-pleasing meal that combines the best parts of a juicy cheeseburger, a cheesy pepperoni pizza, and a thick homemade pie. A buttery pizza crust is pressed into a deep pan and filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, bell peppers, pizza sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. The top is finished with pepperoni slices, mushrooms, and extra mozzarella before baking until golden, bubbling, and beautifully crisp around the edges. When sliced, the pie reveals thick layers of savoury beef, gooey cheese, vegetables, and tangy tomato sauce inside a soft but sturdy crust. This impressive recipe is perfect for family dinners, game-day gatherings, birthday parties, potlucks, or weekends when you want something more exciting than an ordinary pizza. Serve it with a crisp garden salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or dipping sauces. Allowing the pizza pie to rest before cutting is essential because it gives the hot filling time to settle and helps each slice hold its shape.

Ingredients For the Pizza Crust

  • 500g prepared pizza dough
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal, optional
  • 1 tablespoon plain flour, for shaping

For the Cheeseburger Filling

  • 750g ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Sauce and Cheese Layers

  • 1½ cups thick pizza sauce
  • 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pizza Topping

  • 20 to 24 pepperoni slices
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • ½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Garnish and Serving

  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Crushed red chilli flakes
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Warm pizza sauce
  • Garlic butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 220°C. Lightly grease a 23cm deep springform pan, cake pan, or cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Sprinkle the bottom with cornmeal if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until browned.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Season the Filling

Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Drain and Cool

Remove the beef mixture from the heat. Drain any excess grease and allow the filling to cool for approximately 10 minutes. A cooler, drier filling prevents the crust from becoming soggy.

Step 6: Shape the Pizza Dough

Lightly flour the work surface and roll the dough into a large circle. Transfer it to the prepared pan and press it across the bottom and up the sides, leaving a small overhang.

Step 7: Create the First Cheese Layer

Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella and half of the cheddar over the bottom of the crust. This cheese layer creates a barrier between the dough and the filling.

Step 8: Add the Beef Filling

Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly over the cheese. Press it down gently without packing it too tightly.

Step 9: Add the Pizza Sauce

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the beef filling, leaving a small border around the edge.

Step 10: Add More Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar over the sauce. Add the grated Parmesan for extra flavour.

Step 11: Arrange the Toppings

Arrange the pepperoni slices, mushrooms, and sliced green bell pepper evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and drizzle lightly with olive oil.

Step 12: Shape the Crust Edge

Fold the excess dough inward and pinch it gently to form a thick crust around the top edge of the pizza pie.

Step 13: Bake

Place the pan on a rimmed baking tray to catch any drips. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 14: Check the Crust

If the cheese browns too quickly, cover the top loosely with foil. Continue baking until the bottom and sides of the crust are fully cooked.

Step 15: Rest Before Slicing

Remove the pizza pie from the oven and let it rest in the pan for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This is essential for clean slices.

Step 16: Release and Serve

Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan or lift the pie from the skillet. Garnish with parsley, basil, chilli flakes, or Parmesan, then cut into thick wedges.

Tips

  • Use a thick pizza sauce to prevent excess moisture inside the pie.
  • Drain the cooked beef thoroughly before assembling.
  • Allow the filling to cool slightly so it does not soften the raw dough.
  • Pre-shredded cheese works, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
  • Do not slice the pizza immediately after baking because the filling may spill out.
  • Place the pan on a baking tray in case cheese or sauce bubbles over.
  • Add cooked bacon, jalapeños, olives, or sausage for extra flavour.
  • Brush the exposed crust with garlic butter during the final 5 minutes of baking.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat slices in a 180°C oven or air fryer to restore the crisp crust.
  • The assembled, unbaked pizza pie can be refrigerated for up to 8 hours.
  • Freeze baked slices individually for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Avoid using watery vegetables unless they are cooked and drained first.
  • Ground turkey or chicken may replace the beef for a lighter version.

Q&A

Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?

Yes. Refrigerated or bakery pizza dough works perfectly and saves preparation time. Let cold dough rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before shaping.

Why Is the Bottom of My Pizza Pie Soggy?

The beef may not have been drained, the sauce may have been too thin, or the pie may not have baked long enough. A layer of cheese beneath the filling also helps protect the crust.

Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes. Cook the filling and prepare the toppings in advance. Assemble the pizza pie shortly before baking for the best crust texture.

Can I Make It Without Pepperoni?

Yes. Omit the pepperoni or replace it with cooked bacon, sausage, grilled vegetables, olives, or additional mushrooms.

What Type of Pan Works Best?

A deep springform pan makes removal easiest, but a deep cake pan or cast-iron skillet also works well.

What Should I Serve with Pizza Pie?

Serve it with Caesar salad, garlic bread, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, tomato soup, or warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings

Serves: 8

Nutrition

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 640
  • Protein: 39g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Fibre: 4g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 1,120mg

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