Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
A hearty and satisfying deep-dish pizza pie with a thick crust and layers of meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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
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
- Additional shredded mozzarella
- Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- 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.
Filling Preparation
- 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.
Assembling and Baking
- 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 for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Notes
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crust texture. For variations, try different meats and vegetables.