Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of pizza to a whole new level, this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is the perfect recipe to try. With its thick, buttery crust, savory filling, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Here’s how to make this delicious treat step by step.

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

Toppings:

  • Pepperoni slices
  • Additional shredded mozzarella
  • Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a small bowl, mix the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Cook the Filling:

  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces.
  2. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the pizza sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Pizza Pie:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out the dough into a large circle and press it into a greased deep baking pan or springform pan, making sure it covers the sides. Trim off any excess dough.
  3. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese onto the crust base.
  4. Add the meat filling, followed by mushrooms and green bell peppers or jalapeños.
  5. Repeat with layers of cheese and filling as desired. Finish with a layer of mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices or other toppings.

Bake:

  1. Bake the assembled pizza pie in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  2. Let the pizza pie cool slightly in the pan for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Slice the pizza pie into generous portions and serve warm.
  2. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Deep-Dish Pizza Pie:

Customize the Filling: Swap out ground beef for turkey or use a vegetarian filling with spinach, ricotta, and roasted vegetables.

Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or parmesan for added flavor.

Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and filling in advance and assemble just before baking for an easy dinner solution.

Whether you’re hosting a game night or looking for a comforting weekend dinner, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!