This Deep-Dish Pepperoni Cheeseburger Pizza Pie combines two comfort-food favorites in one impressive dinner. A thick, golden pizza crust is packed with savory seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, then topped with classic pepperoni and baked until bubbly and deeply golden. Every thick slice delivers a crisp crust, hearty beef filling, stretchy cheese, and bold pizza flavor.
Why You’ll Love It
- Thick, golden crust filled with juicy seasoned ground beef
- Layers of mozzarella and pepperoni make every slice extra cheesy
- Hearty enough to serve as a complete family dinner
- Impressive deep-dish presentation without complicated ingredients
Ingredients Overview
Pizza Dough
- 1 lb prepared pizza dough
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornmeal, optional
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Beef Filling
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
Cheese Layer
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone or Monterey Jack
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pizza Topping
- 1½ cups pizza or marinara sauce
- 25–30 pepperoni slices
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Generously grease a 9-inch springform pan or deep cake pan with olive oil.
Sprinkle the bottom lightly with cornmeal if using.
This helps prevent sticking while adding a subtle crisp texture to the bottom crust.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles.
When the beef is mostly browned, add the diced onion.
Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, until the onion softens.
Drain excess grease.
3. Season the Filling
Add garlic and tomato paste to the beef.
Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir in ¾ cup pizza sauce.
Simmer for 4–5 minutes, until the mixture is thick and saucy.
Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
A thick filling is important so the pizza pie slices cleanly instead of becoming watery.
4. Shape the Deep-Dish Crust
Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
Roll it into a circle approximately 14 inches wide.
Carefully transfer the dough into the prepared pan.
Press it firmly across the bottom and several inches up the sides.
Allow a little dough to rise above the edge because it will shrink slightly during baking.
5. Create the Cheese Base
Sprinkle about 1 cup mozzarella evenly across the bottom of the crust.
Add half of the provolone and a little Parmesan.
This cheese layer creates a barrier between the crust and beef filling, helping keep the bottom from becoming soggy.
6. Add the Beef Filling
Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture over the cheese.
Spread it into an even layer and gently press it down.
Add another cup of mozzarella over the beef.
7. Add the Pizza Sauce
Spread the remaining pizza sauce evenly over the cheese.
Keep the sauce slightly away from the exposed crust edges.
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Cover the top generously with the remaining mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese.
Brush the exposed crust with melted butter for a richer golden finish.
9. Bake
Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling.
If the crust browns too quickly, loosely cover the edges with foil.
The ground beef filling should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
10. Rest Before Slicing
Remove the pizza pie from the oven.
Let it rest for at least 15–20 minutes before removing it from the pan.
This step is important because the cheese and beef filling need time to set.
Carefully release the springform pan or run a knife around the edges of a regular pan.
11. Slice and Serve
Transfer the deep-dish pizza pie to a cutting board.
Cut into thick wedges with a sharp knife.
Serve while warm, with extra pizza sauce or Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Tips
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly so the filling stays thick rather than greasy.
- Let the beef mixture cool slightly before assembling the pizza.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting and less excess liquid.
- Press the pizza dough firmly into the corners of the pan to create sturdy sides.
- Do not skip the resting period after baking; it helps the thick slices hold together.
- Place the springform pan on a sheet pan while baking in case cheese or sauce bubbles over.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this deep-dish pepperoni cheeseburger pizza pie with:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Crispy potato wedges
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate individual slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
For the best texture, reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for approximately 10–15 minutes until the crust becomes crisp again and the cheese is hot.
An air fryer also works well for individual slices.
Leftover Ideas
- Chop leftover slices and turn them into a cheesy pizza casserole.
- Serve reheated wedges with fried eggs for a hearty brunch.
- Add extra mozzarella and pepperoni before reheating.
- Cut cold slices into smaller pieces and reheat them as party appetizers.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes. Refrigerated or bakery pizza dough works perfectly and saves considerable preparation time.
Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Italian sausage, or a combination of sausage and beef, gives the filling even more pizza-style flavor.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, jalapeños, or sautéed onions can be layered into the filling.
What cheese works best?
Low-moisture mozzarella is essential for that stretchy pizza texture. Provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan can be added for extra flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prepare the beef filling up to 2 days ahead. Assemble the pizza shortly before baking for the best crust texture.
Final Thoughts
Deep-Dish Pepperoni Cheeseburger Pizza Pie brings together a thick golden crust, juicy seasoned beef, rich tomato sauce, bubbling mozzarella, Parmesan, and crispy-edged pepperoni in one spectacular comfort-food centerpiece. Hearty, cheesy, and impressive when sliced, it is perfect for family dinners, game nights, parties, or anytime you cannot decide between a cheeseburger and pizza.
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