Description
Indulge in the heartwarming goodness of a homemade Deep-Dish Pizza Delight. This sumptuous dish features a thick, fluffy crust enveloping a rich blend of savory meats, melting cheeses, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for family dinners, social gatherings, or simply satisfying your deep-dish pizza cravings, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience that transports you to the heart of Chicago-style pizza right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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
- Additional shredded mozzarella
- Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix the warm water and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. In a larger bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture and olive oil, and mix until a dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for approximately 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a wet cloth and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage, ensuring to drain any excess fat afterwards. Mix in the pizza sauce and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough into a large circle and gently press it into a greased deep-dish pan or springform pan, trimming any excess dough at the edges. Begin by layering shredded mozzarella cheese directly on the dough, followed by the prepared meat filling, mushrooms, and bell peppers or jalapeños. Add another layer of cheese and toppings as desired. Finish with a layer of mozzarella cheese and a decorative arrangement of pepperoni slices and additional vegetables.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles. Upon completion, remove from oven and allow the pizza to cool slightly before serving.