Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort is the cure for flat, underwhelming pizza nights. This Chicago-style masterpiece is loaded with layers of gooey cheese, savory meats, and zesty tomato sauce all nestled in a buttery, golden crust.
Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen! I’m the recipe developer behind Cooks Foody, a blog dedicated to transforming everyday meals into extraordinary moments. This recipe is more than just pizza; it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, forks ready.
In this post, I’ll walk you through why this recipe works, how to choose the right ingredients, cook it to perfection, and enjoy every last bite with style.
Why This Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort Works
- 🍕 Thick, buttery crust that holds all your favorite toppings
- 🔥 Layered with meats, veggies, and gooey cheese
- ⏳ Make-ahead friendly for weekend meal prep or parties
- 🧑🍳 Simple dough with big payoff no fancy tools required
- 🍽️ Perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing leftovers
Choosing the Right Meat for Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort
Best Cuts for This Recipe
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Fatty and flavorful for juicy bites
- Pepperoni: Classic, bold, and crisped along the edges
Buying Tips
- Look for 80/20 beef blend or sweet Italian sausage with fennel
- Choose nitrate-free pepperoni for cleaner taste
Substitutions
- Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken sausage
- Add bacon or prosciutto for a smoky touch
Ingredients & Prep for Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort
Meat Prep Essentials
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, browned and drained
- Pepperoni slices (as many as your heart desires)
- Optional: sauté mushrooms and peppers in olive oil first for extra flavor
Dough Beams
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce & Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers or jalapeños, sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort
Pre-Cooking Prep for Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort
- Mix yeast, water, and sugar; let foam (5–10 minutes)
- Add flour, salt, and oil; knead until smooth (8–10 minutes)
- Let dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour
Cooking Method for Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Press dough into greased 9 inch deep dish or cast iron pan, pulling up sides
- Layer mozzarella, cooked meat, veggies, pepperoni, and sauce
- Top with cheddar and bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden
Doneness Check for Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort
- Cheese should be melted and golden
- Crust should be crispy on edges, soft inside
Resting for Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort
- Let sit 10 minutes before slicing helps it set up and keeps layers intact
Pro Tips for Perfect Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort
Avoiding Soggy Bottoms
- Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese before adding sauce to act as a barrier
Tool Recommendations
- Cast-iron pan or springform for authentic structure
- Pizza cutter or serrated knife for clean slices
Storage & Reheating
- Store in fridge for 3 days; reheat at 350°F in foil for 10–15 mins
- Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months
Flavor Variations for Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort
| Variation | Description | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Supreme | Add jalapeños & crushed red pepper | Mix into sauce for even heat |
| Veggie Lover’s | Swap meat for spinach, olives & artichokes | Use garlic white sauce |
| Mediterranean | Add feta, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano | Serve with tzatziki or yogurt dip |
Serving Suggestions for Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfor
- 🥗 Pair with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad
- 🍷 Try with a bold red wine like Zinfandel
- 🍺 Serve with amber lager or garlic-infused lemonade
FAQs about Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort
Q: Can I use store bought dough?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure it’s enough to fill a deep pan.
Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Use your favorite GF pizza dough recipe or store bought mix.
Q: Is this freezer friendly?
A: Yes! Slice, wrap, and freeze for easy reheating.
Conclusion
This Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort is the ultimate in cozy, cheesy satisfaction. Fire up your oven, roll out that dough, and serve up slices of joy!
Print
Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe A Hearty Slice of Comfort in 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including dough rising time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
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
- Pepperoni slices
Toppings:
- Additional shredded mozzarella
- Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until dough forms.
Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour. - Cook the Filling:
In a skillet, brown ground beef or sausage over medium heat. 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 dough into a large circle and press it into a greased deep baking or springform pan. Trim excess dough.
Layer shredded mozzarella cheese on the crust base. Add the meat filling, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Repeat with cheese and fillings as desired.
Top with extra mozzarella and pepperoni slices or other garnishes. - Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Let cool slightly before slicing. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice into portions and serve warm. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a twist.
- Assemble the pie a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg