Description
A hearty Chicago-style deep-dish pizza featuring a buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, savory meat, and fresh vegetables for an indulgent homemade meal that rivals any pizzeria.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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, combine the warm water and yeast, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt together. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Cook the Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Add the pizza sauce to the meat, stir well, and simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the risen dough into a large circle approximately 14 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a greased deep-dish pizza pan or 9-inch springform pan, pressing it up the sides to form a bowl shape. Trim any excess dough from the edges. Layer shredded mozzarella directly on the crust, followed by the meat sauce mixture, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Add additional layers of cheese and toppings as desired, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
- Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before removing from the pan. This resting period helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Cut into wedges and serve warm, accompanied by a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For an authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, consider using a mixture of butter and oil in the dough for a more flavorful crust.
- Allowing the pizza to rest after baking is crucial – cutting too soon will result in the fillings spilling out.
- To prevent a soggy bottom crust, consider partially pre-baking the crust for about 10 minutes before adding fillings.
- Fresh mozzarella can be used for a more authentic flavor, but it contains more moisture, so it’s best to drain it well before using.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg