Hearty Pizza Pie (Ready-to-Print Version)

A deep-dish pizza with rich meat sauce, melted cheeses, fresh vegetables, and pepperoni topping.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup warm water
05 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Filling

07 - 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
08 - 1 cup pizza sauce
09 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
11 - 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
12 - 1/2 cup sliced green bell peppers or jalapeños
13 - Pepperoni slices

→ Toppings

14 - Additional shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy to confirm yeast activation.
02 - In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Brown ground beef or Italian sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat, stir in pizza sauce, and cook for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat.
05 - Set oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while assembling.
06 - Roll out risen dough on a floured surface into a large circle. Press evenly into a greased deep-dish pizza pan or pie dish, ensuring edges come up the sides.
07 - Start with shredded mozzarella cheese on the crust bottom. Spoon cooked meat sauce over cheese, add sliced mushrooms and bell peppers or jalapeños, sprinkle cheddar cheese if desired, then add remaining mozzarella.
08 - Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on top and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese to finish.
09 - Bake assembled pizza for 25 to 30 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
10 - Remove from oven and let cool several minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra pepperoni and vegetables as desired, then serve warm.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Ensure yeast is foamy before mixing to guarantee dough rise.
02 - Kneading dough properly develops a crisp yet tender crust texture.
03 - Optional cheddar cheese adds sharpness but may be omitted to reduce dairy.

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