Few dishes bring as much satisfaction as a warm, hearty casserole fresh from the oven. Among the countless variations, one recipe stands out for its bold flavors, comforting textures, and family-friendly appeal: the Homemade Deep Dish Casserole.
In this article, we’ll explore a show-stopping version — the Deep Dish Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie. Imagine layers of seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, tangy marinara, pepperoni, melted cheeses, and a golden crust baked to perfection. This dish captures everything you love about pizza, lasagna, and classic casseroles, all rolled into one irresistible dinner.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight family meal, a dish to impress at gatherings, or the perfect leftover-friendly recipe, this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation. Let’s dive in.
Why Choose a Homemade Deep Dish Casserole?
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s highlight why a Homemade Deep Dish Casserole is worth your time:
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Versatility – You can adapt fillings, spices, and cheeses based on your preferences.
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Comfort Factor – Hearty, cheesy, and savory, this dish warms both stomach and soul.
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Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests.
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Meal Prep Friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing.
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Budget-Conscious – Uses affordable pantry staples while tasting restaurant-quality.
Ingredients for Deep Dish Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie
To make this Homemade Deep Dish Casserole, you’ll need the following:
For the Crust
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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2 tbsp olive oil
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¾ cup warm water
For the Meat Layer
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
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½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
the Sauce
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2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
the Cheese & Toppings
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for creaminess)
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1 ½ cups sliced pepperoni
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Required Kitchen Tools
To ensure smooth preparation, have these tools ready:
Large mixing bowl
Cast-iron skillet or deep casserole dish
Rolling pin
Skillet for browning meat
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
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Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
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Knead on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Cook the Meat Filling
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage.
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Cook until browned, breaking up clumps with a wooden spoon.
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Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened.
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Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Stir in marinara and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
3. Assemble the Deep Dish Casserole
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Roll out dough into a large circle and press into a greased deep dish pan, letting edges hang slightly over.
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Spread half of the mozzarella over the bottom crust.
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Layer meat mixture evenly over cheese.
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Dot with ricotta (optional).
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Add a generous layer of pepperoni.
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Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
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Fold crust edges inward for a rustic look.
4. Bake
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Place casserole in preheated oven.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
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Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Helpful Tips for the Best Homemade Deep Dish Casserole
Use a cast-iron skillet – It distributes heat evenly, giving you a crispy crust.
Drain excess grease – Prevent sogginess by draining meat after browning.
Pre-bake crust slightly – If you like extra-crispy crust, bake for 5 minutes before filling.
Balance meats – Mixing sausage with beef prevents overpowering spice.
Customize – Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for more flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This Homemade Deep Dish Casserole succeeds because it combines the hearty satisfaction of a meat pie with the gooey indulgence of pizza. The seasoned beef and sausage provide richness, while the pepperoni adds a punch of smokiness. Layers of cheese create creamy contrast, and the crust brings everything together in one golden-baked package.
It’s indulgent but balanced, filling but not overwhelming — the definition of comfort food.
Variations on the Homemade Deep Dish Casserole
Vegetarian Version – Swap meats for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Chicken Alfredo Casserole – Replace marinara with creamy Alfredo, use chicken instead of beef.
Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sausage for a bold version.
Breakfast Deep Dish – Use scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns as filling.
Low-Carb Option – Skip crust and bake in a casserole dish with extra cheese layers.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store covered slices in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices in foil and store up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave for 2–3 minutes.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this casserole with:
Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or breadsticks
A glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot)
Sparkling water with lemon for a lighter option
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, pre-made pizza dough works well if you’re short on time.
Q: What size pan should I use?
A 10-inch cast-iron skillet or deep 9×9-inch baking dish works best.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger pan or divide between two pans for larger gatherings.
Conclusion
The Deep Dish Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is more than a recipe — it’s a celebration of comfort food. With its golden crust, flavorful meats, gooey cheeses, and endless customization options, this Homemade Deep Dish Casserole is guaranteed to delight both family and guests.
