This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is a hearty and satisfying dish that will become a family favorite. With its thick, buttery crust, layers of melty cheese, savory beef, and flavorful vegetables, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this pizza offers everything you love about traditional pizza—except in pie form!
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef (or sausage)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and allow it to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step is crucial to ensure that the yeast is activated, giving the dough a nice rise.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until a rough dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If needed, add a little more flour as you knead.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the meat. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to release their moisture. This mixture will create a savory and flavorful filling for the pizza.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
4. Preheat the Oven:
- While the filling is simmering, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help achieve a crispy, golden crust for the deep-dish pizza.
5. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two portions: one slightly larger than the other.
- Roll out the larger portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan (or any similar-sized round pan). Press the dough into the pan, ensuring that the dough comes up the sides of the pan to form a thick crust. This dough will hold all of the delicious filling and prevent it from spilling over.
6. Assemble the Pizza:
- Layer the bottom of the dough with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will create a cheesy barrier that prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- Spoon half of the meat and vegetable mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly over the cheese layer.
- Add another layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the filling. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mozzarella for added richness and flavor. If you’re using pepperoni, scatter slices on top of the cheese layer.
- Roll out the remaining portion of dough and carefully place it over the filled pan. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal it, ensuring there are no gaps. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Bake the Pizza:
- Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The crust should turn golden brown and crisp, and the cheese inside should be melted and bubbling. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
8. Rest and Serve:
- Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the cheese and filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice. After resting, garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
- Slice the pizza into generous wedges and serve. Enjoy this hearty, comforting deep-dish pizza with your family or friends!
Nutritional Information:
- ⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
- 🍳 Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- 🔥 Calories: 420 kcal per slice
- 🍽️ Servings: 8 slices
This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is an indulgent dish that combines all the best elements of a pizza, but with a thicker crust and more filling. It’s the perfect choice when you want to impress guests with a delicious, homemade pizza that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, this pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.