Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious deep-dish pizza pie recipe. With a crispy crust, savory filling, and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or game day parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The rich flavors of the seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage combined with the gooey melted cheese and tangy pizza sauce create a mouthwatering taste sensation.
- This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a homemade pizza fix.
- The versatility of this dish allows you to customize the toppings to suit your preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Crust:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the crust, giving it structure and texture.
- Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast to help the dough rise.
- Active dry yeast: Gives the crust its airy texture.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and flavor to the crust.
For the Filling:
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a hearty and savory element to the pizza.
- Pizza sauce: Provides a tangy and flavorful base for the toppings.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
- Cheddar cheese (optional): Adds a sharp flavor to the pizza.
- Sliced mushrooms: Adds a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
- Sliced green bell peppers or jalapeños: Adds a pop of color and a hint of heat.
- Pepperoni slices: Adds a classic pizza flavor.
Toppings:
- Additional shredded mozzarella: For extra cheesiness.
- Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish: Customize with your favorite toppings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until foamy.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture, and knead until a smooth dough forms. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet. Drain any excess fat and stir in the pizza sauce.
- Preheat the oven and press the dough into a greased deep-dish pizza pan. Layer with the meat mixture, cheeses, mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni.
- Top with additional mozzarella and desired toppings. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Helpful Tips:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake it before adding the toppings.
- Customize the toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding olives, onions, or different cheeses.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a high-quality pizza sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for optimal results.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this deep-dish pizza pie with a side salad, garlic knots, or a cold beer for the ultimate meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, wrap the pizza in foil and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought pizza dough if you’re short on time. - Can I freeze this pizza for later?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pizza for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking. - Can I use different meats for the filling?
Absolutely! Try using cooked chicken, bacon, or even vegetarian options like tofu. - How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust and draining any excess moisture from the toppings can help prevent a soggy crust.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the cozy comfort of a homemade deep-dish pizza pie with this easy and delicious recipe. Whether you’re a pizza purist or love experimenting with toppings, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of comfort today!
Print
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 1 deep-dish pizza pie 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in a delicious deep-dish pizza pie filled with savory ground beef or Italian sausage, gooey cheese, and a medley of vegetables. This hearty slice of comfort is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/4 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
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced green bell peppers or jalapeños
- Pepperoni slices
Toppings:
- Additional shredded mozzarella
- Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Dissolve yeast in warm water, then add to the flour mixture. Knead the dough, let it rise, and press it into a greased deep-dish pan.
- Add the Filling: Brown the ground beef or sausage, then layer with pizza sauce, cheeses, vegetables, and pepperoni on the crust.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle with more cheese, pepperoni, and veggies. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with your favorite pizza ingredients.
- If using vegetables, make sure to sauté them beforehand to remove excess moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg