Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite fillings and toppings.
- Rich and Satisfying: A complete meal in one dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sure to have everyone 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.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil; mix until dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Cook the Filling:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat; cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in pizza sauce; cook for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pizza Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out dough into a large circle, about 12–14 inches in diameter.
- Press dough into a greased deep baking pan or springform pan, covering the bottom and sides; trim any excess.
- Layer shredded mozzarella on the crust base.
- Add meat filling, then layer with mushrooms, bell peppers, and additional cheese. Repeat layers if desired.
- Top with extra mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices or other garnishes.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice into generous portions and serve warm.
- Pair with a fresh 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
- Cheese Lovers: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a creamier melt.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Vegetarian: Substitute meat with a variety of sautéed vegetables like spinach, onions, and olives.
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. How can I prevent a soggy crust?
Sprinkle a light layer of cheese on the crust before adding the meat filling to create a barrier that prevents sogginess.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought dough can be a convenient alternative to homemade dough.
3. What other meats can I use?
You can substitute ground beef or sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
4. How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Pre-bake the crust for 5–7 minutes before adding the fillings to achieve a crispier texture.
5. Can I make this pizza pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake when ready.
6. What side dishes pair well with this pizza pie?
A fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread complements the rich flavors of the pizza pie.
7. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust or purchase a gluten-free pizza dough.
8. Is it possible to make a
homemade deep-dish pizza pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate homemade deep-dish pizza pie, featuring a thick, golden crust filled with layers of gooey cheese, savory meats, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for cozy family dinners or wowing guests, this hearty dish is versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a new favorite.
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:
- Mix warm water and yeast in a small bowl; 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 dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Cook the Filling:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat; cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in pizza sauce; cook for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Assemble the Pizza Pie:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out dough into a 12–14 inch circle. Press into a greased deep baking or springform pan, covering the bottom and sides. Trim excess dough.
- Layer shredded mozzarella on the crust base, followed by meat filling, mushrooms, bell peppers, and additional cheese. Repeat layers if desired.
- Top with extra mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices or other garnishes.
Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice into generous portions and serve warm. Pair with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, pre-bake the crust for 5–7 minutes before adding the filling.
- Sprinkle cheese directly on the crust to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
