Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: A combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni makes this pizza extra meaty and satisfying.
- Cheesy Goodness: With both mozzarella and Parmesan, this pizza is irresistibly cheesy.
- Crispy Yet Doughy Crust: The deep-dish style creates a crispy bottom with a soft, thick interior.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serves up to 8, making it great for gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the toppings to fit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1/2 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 20-25 pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil. Press the pizza dough into the pan, making sure to cover the edges.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add the cooked ground beef, crumbled Italian sausage, diced green peppers, and chopped onions. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and arrange the pepperoni slices over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories: ~500 per slice
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices for some heat.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in some cheddar or provolone for a cheesier bite.
- Veggie Lovers: Add mushrooms, olives, or spinach for extra toppings.
- BBQ Twist: Swap the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and use shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or heat in a skillet for a crispy crust.
FAQs
How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to pre-cook any vegetables that release moisture, such as mushrooms or onions.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough works great and saves time.
What’s the best cheese for deep-dish pizza?
Mozzarella is a classic choice, but a mix of provolone and Parmesan adds extra flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use a regular pizza pan instead of a deep-dish pan?
You can, but the pizza will be thinner. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do I get a crispy crust?
Baking the pizza on the lower oven rack helps crisp up the bottom. You can also preheat the pan before adding the dough.
Can I make this without a deep-dish pan?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet works well as an alternative.
What’s the difference between deep-dish and regular pizza?
Deep-dish pizza has a thicker crust and layers of toppings, while regular pizza is thinner and often has toppings on top.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner options.
What’s the best way to reheat deep-dish pizza?
Reheating in the oven or skillet works best to maintain the crispiness of the crust.
Conclusion
This deep-dish meat lover’s pizza is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or just craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers on flavor and texture. Give it a try, and enjoy every delicious, meaty bite!
Print
Deep Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Deep Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza! Perfect for family dinners or game nights, this pizza features a golden, crispy crust filled with savory layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a touch of Italian seasoning. With a customizable topping list and an irresistible cheesy texture, this deep-dish pizza rivals any pizzeria!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1/2 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 20–25 pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Pan: Grease a deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil. Press the pizza dough into the pan, ensuring it covers the edges.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Layer Meats and Veggies: Add the cooked ground beef, crumbled Italian sausage, diced green bell peppers, and chopped onions. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Top with Cheese and Pepperoni: Add the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Customize your toppings: Add extra veggies, switch up the meats, or even use BBQ sauce for a fun twist.
- Crispier Crust Tip: For an even crispier crust, bake the pizza on the lower rack of your oven. You can also preheat the pan before adding the dough.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
