Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Introduction
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that brings a taste of Chicago right to your kitchen. With a thick, buttery crust and layers of savory fillings, this pizza is perfect for any pizza lover. Whether you’re hosting a game night or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making a Deep-Dish Pizza Pie at home is not just about satisfying your cravings; it’s about creating a comforting meal that unites friends and family. This recipe allows you to customize the fillings and toppings to suit your taste. Plus, there’s a special satisfaction that comes from baking your own pizza from scratch. Each slice is bursting with flavor, making it a hit for gatherings or family nights.
How to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Creating this pizza is simpler than you might think. With just a few steps, you can have a mouthwatering Deep-Dish Pizza Pie ready to enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1⁄4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1⁄2 cup cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1⁄2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1⁄2 cup sliced green bell peppers or jalapeños
- Pepperoni slices
- Additional shredded mozzarella
- Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese (if using), mushrooms, green bell peppers or jalapeños, and pepperoni slices. Mix well.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to fit the pan. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, creating a thick crust.
- Pour the filling mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Top with additional shredded mozzarella and any extra pepperoni or vegetables you desire.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, hearty deep-dish pizza pie!
How to Serve Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Serve your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie hot, straight from the oven. Slice it into generous pieces and arrange them on a platter. Offer a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping, along with some fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The pizza will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Tips to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
- Let your dough rise in a warm area. A sunny kitchen works well!
- Don’t skip the kneading! It helps develop gluten, making the crust nice and chewy.
- Experiment with toppings. Use your favorites to make it your own.
Variation
You can switch up the meat by using pepperoni, chicken, or even veggies for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheeses, like provolone or gouda, to change the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
2. Can I freeze the Deep-Dish Pizza Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked pizza. Just wrap it tightly before freezing and bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
3. What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/4 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
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced green bell peppers or jalapeños
- to taste pepperoni slices
- to taste additional shredded mozzarella
- to taste extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese (if using), mushrooms, green bell peppers or jalapeños, and pepperoni slices. Mix well.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to fit the pan. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, creating a thick crust.
- Pour the filling mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Top with additional shredded mozzarella and any extra pepperoni or vegetables you desire.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot.
