Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: Perfect for customizing with your favorite fillings and toppings.
- Rich and satisfying: A full meal in one dish!
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup sliced green bell peppers or jalapeños
- Pepperoni slices
Toppings
- Additional shredded mozzarella
- Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour.
- Cook the Filling
- In a skillet, brown ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in pizza sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza Pie
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll dough into a large circle and press it into a greased deep baking or springform pan. Trim excess dough.
- Layer shredded mozzarella cheese on the crust base.
- Add the meat filling, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Repeat with cheese and fillings as desired.
- Top with extra mozzarella and pepperoni slices or other garnishes.
- Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Slice into portions and serve warm. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including dough rising time)
Variations
- Prevent a soggy crust: Sprinkle a light layer of cheese before adding the meat filling to create a barrier.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Extra cheesy goodness: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a creamy melt.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and still tastes great.
2. What can I substitute for ground beef?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a twist.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Sprinkle a light layer of cheese on the crust before adding the filling to create a barrier.
5. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add your favorite veggies like spinach, onions, or olives.
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust.
7. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain moisture.
8. Can I freeze the unbaked pizza pie?
Yes, assemble the pie, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is a hearty, customizable dish with a thick crust, layers of gooey cheese, savory meat, and fresh veggies. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or game day feasts. Easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees a crowd-pleaser every time!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup sliced green bell peppers or jalapeños
- Pepperoni slices
Toppings:
- Additional shredded mozzarella
- Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil; mix until dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour.
- Cook the Filling
- Brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in pizza sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza Pie
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll dough into a large circle and press into a greased deep baking or springform pan. Trim excess dough.
- Layer shredded mozzarella on the crust base. Add meat filling, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Repeat layers if desired.
- Top with extra mozzarella, pepperoni, or other garnishes.
- Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve
- Slice and serve warm. Pair with a salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- Prevent soggy crust by sprinkling cheese on the base before adding filling.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
