Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie—thick, cheesy, and loaded with layers of meat, veggies, and sauce. This hearty homemade pizza pie is perfect for family dinners, game nights, and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons 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 or vegetables for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until dough forms.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour.
Cook the Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef or sausage.
- 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 out the dough into a large circle and press into a greased deep baking pan or springform pan.
- Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese to the bottom.
- Layer the meat mixture, mushrooms, peppers, and more cheese as desired.
- Top with additional mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the layers to settle.
Serve
- Slice and serve warm. Pair with garlic bread, salad, or dipping sauces for a complete comfort meal.
Notes
Add Cornmeal: Sprinkle cornmeal in the pan for a more authentic deep-dish texture.
Crispier Crust: Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding fillings.
Flavor Boost: Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra depth.
Cheese Barrier Trick: Keeping cheese at the bottom prevents a soggy crust.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes — refrigerated or bakery pizza dough works as a quick shortcut. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the meat with more vegetables such as spinach, onions, olives, or zucchini. Can I use a cast iron pan?
Yes, cast iron creates a beautiful crust and even heat distribution.
Yes — refrigerated or bakery pizza dough works as a quick shortcut. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the meat with more vegetables such as spinach, onions, olives, or zucchini. Can I use a cast iron pan?
Yes, cast iron creates a beautiful crust and even heat distribution.