This hearty, cheesy deep-dish pizza is layered with savory meat, rich sauce, and melty cheese inside a thick, golden crust—perfect for pizza night at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Thick, buttery crust that holds all the fillings

• Packed with layers of cheese, meat, and veggies

• Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings

• Feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right at home

• Satisfying and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup warm water

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 cup pizza sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• ½ cup sliced mushrooms

• ½ cup sliced green bell peppers or jalapeños

• Pepperoni slices

Toppings:

• Extra shredded mozzarella

• Extra pepperoni or vegetables for garnish

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a soft dough forms.

3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place.

4. While the dough rises, brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.

5. Stir in the pizza sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. Roll the risen dough into a large circle and press it into a greased deep baking dish or springform pan. Trim the excess dough around the edges.

8. Start layering: Add mozzarella cheese directly onto the crust, then spread the meat sauce, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Repeat layers if your pan allows.

9. Top with extra shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, or additional vegetables.

10. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

11. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables

• Serve with marinara or garlic dipping sauce

• Enjoy with a cold soda or sparkling water on pizza night

• Add crushed red pepper or parmesan on top for extra flavor

Tips & Variations

• Make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight for extra flavor

• Swap ground meat with cooked chicken, bacon, or veggie crumbles

• Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina for added richness

• Add olives, spinach, or caramelized onions for more layers of flavor

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding fillings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works fine if you’re short on time, though homemade gives the best texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the meat and load it up with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, or any of your favorite veggies.

How do I store leftovers?

Wrap slices in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze deep-dish pizza?

Yes. Wrap cooled slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Final Thoughts

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is a comforting and filling dish that transforms your regular pizza night into something extra special. With a golden crust, hearty layers, and endless topping possibilities, it’s the kind of recipe everyone looks forward to. Whether you’re feeding a group or just indulging in a weekend treat, this pie delivers big flavor and satisfaction in every bite.