Savory Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Bake: A Quick and Tasty Dinner Idea
Short introduction
Savory Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Bake is a delicious, hearty dish that combines the flavors of ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in a flaky pizza dough. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this bake is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a great way to bring everyone together around the dinner table!
Why you’ll love it
This dish has numerous benefits that make it a winner in any household:
- Quick and easy: With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a baking time of about 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour.
- Versatile: You can customize the filling based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the meaty, cheesy flavor combined with the crispy crust.
- Great for leftovers: This bake reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or late-night snacks.
- One-pan meal: Save time on cleanup with everything baked in one dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions & key variations
- Meats: You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Feel free to use any type of sausage you enjoy.
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, try cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
- Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and taste.
- Dough: Instead of pizza dough, consider using puff pastry for a lighter option or homemade dough if you prefer.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Preheat and cook the meat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the bake from being greasy.
Step 2: Add onions and season
Add the finely diced onion to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Stir in pepperoni and marinara
Next, stir in the pepperoni slices and marinara sauce. Let simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Prepare the dough
While the meat mixture simmers, roll out the pizza dough in a baking dish. Press it up the sides to create a crust that will hold all the delicious fillings.
Step 5: Assemble the bake
Pour the meat mixture into the prepared pizza dough. Top it off with the shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring it covers the filling evenly.
Step 6: Seal the bake
Fold the dough over the top of the filling, sealing it well to keep the flavors contained.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for a golden-brown color on the dough.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Once baked, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve the delicious portions.
Success tips
- Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve an even cook on the dough.
- Texture: Look for the pizza dough to be golden brown and crispy on the outside; this indicates that it’s fully cooked.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overfilling the dough, as this can prevent it from baking properly and may cause leaks.
How to serve
Slice the Savory Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Bake into generous portions and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider offering additional marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor even further.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bake back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the bake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly in the refrigerator and bake it when you’re ready.
Can I freeze the Savory Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Bake?
Absolutely! Freeze it before baking. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pizza dough, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish provides a good source of protein from the meats and cheese. You can also add vegetables to increase the fiber content and reduce overall calories.
Conclusion + CTA
Savory Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Bake is an easy yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try for your next family dinner, and watch how quickly everyone goes back for seconds! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with us!