Deep Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza Pie
This hearty deep dish pizza combines a thick crust with a variety of meats and cheeses, offering a flavorful and filling meal perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste Salt & pepper
For the Toppings
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Preparation of Dough
- Mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth, about 8 minutes.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
Cooking the Filling
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes until thickened.
Assembling and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a deep-dish or springform pan.
- Roll the dough into a large circle and press it into the pan, allowing it to go up the sides.
- Layer the bottom with 2 cups of mozzarella, followed by provolone and half of the Parmesan.
- If desired, add a layer of pepperoni slices.
- Spread the meat sauce evenly over the layered cheese.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Allow the pizza to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5-10 minutes before adding toppings. Consider offering a variety of dipping sauces, like marinara or ranch, for an extra touch. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.