01 -
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) so it's nice and hot when you're ready to bake this beauty. A hot oven is key to getting that perfect golden crust.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook everything until there's no pink left, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease and let it cool for just a few minutes.
03 -
Take one pie crust and press it into your deep dish pie pan or cast iron skillet, making sure it comes up the sides nicely. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly across the bottom - this creates a delicious cheese foundation.
04 -
Spread the cooked ground beef and sausage mixture over the cheese, then scatter half of the pepperoni slices on top. Try to distribute everything evenly so every slice gets loaded with all the good stuff.
05 -
Pour the pizza sauce all over the meat and pepperoni, spreading it around with a spoon. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
06 -
Layer on the remaining mozzarella and all of the cheddar or provolone cheese. If you saved some pepperoni slices, arrange them on top for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
07 -
Place the second pie crust over the top and carefully pinch or crimp the edges together to seal everything in tight. Brush the top crust with melted butter and sprinkle with a little extra garlic powder for that perfect golden finish.
08 -
Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let it rest for about 5 minutes after baking to help everything settle, then slice with a sharp knife and serve while it's still warm and melty.