Hearty Pizza Pie

This hearty pizza pie is everything you want in a comforting homemade meal. The deepdish crust is tender with just the right amount of crispness, cradling a rich filling of seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage layered with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, fresh vegetables, and pepperoni. It’s a satisfying and filling dish that brings everyone to the table, perfect for weekend dinners or a casual family gathering.

I first made this pizza pie on a chilly Sunday afternoon and now it’s a favorite request at family game nights. The layers of cheese melting into the hearty meat sauce make every bite pure comfort.

Ingredients

• Allpurpose flour: provides the structure look for unbleached for better flavor and texture
• Sugar: feeds the yeast so the crust rises nicely
• Salt: balances the flavors and enhances the dough
• Warm water: activates the yeast should be about body temperature to wake the yeast without killing it
• Active dry yeast: essential for a fluffy airy crust
• Olive oil: adds moisture and a subtle richness
• Ground beef or Italian sausage: choose quality meat for the best flavor I prefer Italian sausage for its spices
• Pizza sauce: pick one with robust tomato flavor without too much sugar
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts evenly and delivers that classic gooey texture
• Cheddar cheese: optional but adds a tangy bite
• Sliced mushrooms: fresh and firm mushrooms add earthiness
• Green bell peppers or jalapeños: bell peppers for sweetness jalapeños if you like a kick
• Pepperoni slices: traditional pizza topping that crisps up nicely
• Extra shredded mozzarella cheese: for an irresistible cheesy finish
• Additional pepperoni and vegetables: to customize however you like

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a small bowl, stir warm water and active dry yeast together. Let it sit for five minutes until it becomes foamy, a sign that the yeast is alive and bubbling.

Make Dough Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt thoroughly. Pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir everything gently at first and then more firmly until a rough dough starts to form.

Knead and Rise:

Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead vigorously for eight to ten minutes until it feels smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Shape it into a ball and place in a clean bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and leave it to rise in a warm spot for about one hour until the dough doubles in size.

Cook the Filling:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned all over, drain off any excess fat. Stir in the pizza sauce and let it simmer for five minutes to marry the flavors. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.

Preheat Oven:

Turn your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius so it’s ready when your pizza assembly is done.

Shape the Dough:

Roll out the risen dough on a generously floured surface into a large circle, big enough to line your deepdish pan or pie dish with some extra to build edges. Carefully press the dough into your greased pan, making sure it covers the bottom and the sides evenly.

Layer the Pizza:

Start by spreading a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the base of the crust. Spoon the cooked meat mixture on top spreading it evenly. Add slices of mushrooms and your choice of bell peppers or jalapeños. Sprinkle cheddar cheese if you are using it, then cover with more mozzarella.

Add Toppings:

Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on the top. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over everything to create a bubbly cheese crust when baked.

Bake:

Place the pizza pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbling and beginning to brown.

Serve:

Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes this helps the cheese set a little so it slices better. Garnish with extra pepperoni and vegetables if you want an eyepleasing finish. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

Mozzarella is my favorite ingredient here because it melts so perfectly and creates that stretchy, cheesy pull that just screams homemade pizza. One memorable evening, my kids raced each other to the table as soon as this came out of the oven, and it’s stuck as a favorite ever since.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes to revive the crispness of the crust and melt the cheese again.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Italian sausage, ground beef or turkey works well too. For vegetables, try swapping in spinach or black olives based on what you have on hand. Use a dairy-free cheese to make it suitable for lactose intolerance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a simple pasta salad make excellent companions to round out the meal.

This deepdish pizza pie is a comforting crowdpleaser that’s worth the extra time. It reheats well and makes great leftovers.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of meat works best for the filling?

Ground beef or Italian sausage both provide a savory, flavorful base that complements the cheese and vegetables well.

→ How can I get a crisp crust on a deep-dish pizza?

Ensure the dough is rolled evenly and use a preheated oven set to 375°F. Baking until the edges turn golden brown helps achieve a crisp crust.

→ Can I substitute the vegetables in the pizza?

Yes, sliced mushrooms and green bell peppers or jalapeños add freshness, but you can swap them for other vegetables like onions or olives.

→ What cheeses are ideal for this pizza style?

Mozzarella is key for meltiness, while cheddar adds depth. Using a combination enhances richness and texture.

→ How long should the dough rise before baking?

Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for about one hour, or until it doubles in size, to ensure a fluffy crust.