If you have ever dreamed of savoring the iconic, hearty delight of a classic Chicago favorite right at home, this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe brings that dream to life. This recipe features a luxuriously thick crust layered with rich, savory Italian sausage, melty mozzarella, and zesty tomato sauce that meld together perfectly for an unforgettable meal. Each bite bursts with layers of flavors and textures, making it a showstopper for family dinners or weekend entertaining. The joy of making this stuffed deep dish pizza pie from scratch lies not only in its luscious taste but also in the rewarding process of creating a true comfort food masterpiece that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building flavor, texture, and that perfect golden crust. From the robust Italian sausage to the blend of cheeses, every component is carefully chosen for a deliciously balanced pie.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour for dough: Provides structure and the chewy bite that defines deep dish pizza crust.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: Activates the dough’s rise for a soft yet sturdy base.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the dough’s flavor.
- 1 cup warm water: Just right temperature to trigger yeast fermentation.
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for greasing): Adds richness and ensures the crust stays tender and moist.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for the filling: Helps sauté vegetables and meat, intensifying flavors.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef), cooked and crumbled: Brings savory depth and spice to the pie.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Adds a classic, smoky punch and irresistible bite.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Provides a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- 1/2 small onion, diced: Offers aromatic sweetness that complements the meat.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, a pizza essential.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharpness and a nutty finish.
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy sauce that tops the pie.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with warm, savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings the classic Italian herbs that define pizza sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity in the tomato sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to round out the sauce’s flavor.
How to Make Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by waking up your yeast to achieve that perfect rise. Mix warm water with yeast and sugar and let it sit until it becomes foamy and bubbly, signaling it’s ready. Then gently combine the flour, salt, and olive oil, kneading until the dough is soft, smooth, and elastic. Cover it and let it rest for about an hour, allowing it to double in size — this step is the secret to that beautifully airy yet sturdy crust you’ll love.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the dough is rising, it’s time to build your sauce. Heat a splash of olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant, careful not to burn it. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer away gently for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors deepen and the sauce thickens slightly. Set it aside to cool; this sauce is what crowns the pizza and adds its signature tang.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
In a skillet with a bit of olive oil, cook the Italian sausage or ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. Add the diced green bell pepper and onion to the pan and sauté until softened and fragrant. This combination gives the filling a wonderful savory aroma and balance of texture — a crucial layer inside your stuffed deep dish pizza pie.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Grease a 9-inch deep-dish or springform pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Divide your dough so that two-thirds make the base and sides, and the remaining third becomes the top crust. Roll out the larger portion and press it into the pan’s bottom and up its sides, creating a sturdy cradle for all those delicious layers. Next, start layering mozzarella cheese, cooked sausage mixture, pepperoni slices, bell peppers, onions, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Roll out the remaining dough to cover the pie entirely, pinch the edges to seal it firmly, then cut small slits in the top crust—these vents let steam escape during baking, keeping the crust crisp on top.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly atop the sealed dough lid, then pop your masterpiece into an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown, fragrant, and cooked through. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing — this rest time helps the filling set so every slice holds beautifully.
How to Serve Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your slice, try a sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves or a handful of arugula for a peppery contrast. A light dusting of red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan adds an extra punch. These simple touches boost both appearance and flavor, making your serving extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair this robust pizza with a crisp Caesar salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness with cool, crunchy textures. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks also make stellar companions, soaking up every delicious drop of leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve slices alongside small dipping bowls of extra tomato sauce or ranch dressing. Arrange a pizza bar with assorted toppings where guests can customize their slices post-bake. The deep-dish thickness makes it perfect for hearty sandwiches or even a portable meal enjoyed outdoors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Cover it tightly with foil or store in an airtight container to preserve its moisture and flavors. Reheat slices gently to maintain that soft crust and melty cheese.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire assembled but unbaked pie for up to two months. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge before proceeding with the baking steps.
Reheating
For reheating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and warm slices for about 15 minutes on a baking sheet. This method helps keep the crust crisp and cheese gooey, unlike microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other meats besides Italian sausage in this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even chicken make great alternatives. You can also mix in bacon or ham for extra flavor. Just cook the meat beforehand to ensure it’s fully cooked through in the final bake.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise for a full hour?
Letting the dough rise is key to achieving a light, fluffy crust with the right texture. While one hour is ideal, if you’re short on time, even 30 to 45 minutes can help, but the dough might be a bit denser.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The tomato sauce actually tastes better if made a day ahead as it allows the flavors to meld fully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before assembling the pie.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to grease your pan well and seal the edges of the dough tightly to keep moisture inside the filling. Adding a layer of cheese directly on the bottom crust before the meat also creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! While stuffed deep dish pizza may seem intimidating, the steps are straightforward. The most time-consuming part is waiting for dough to rise, but the hands-on preparation is simple and extremely rewarding even for first-timers.
Final Thoughts
Making the Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe at home is like giving your taste buds a big, warm hug from the Windy City itself. The process is incredibly satisfying, and the end result is an epic pizza that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. So grab your apron and dive in — once you’ve experienced this deliciously layered, hearty pizza pie, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again.
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Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Chicago-Style)
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is a hearty, cheesy delight reminiscent of classic Chicago-style pizza. Featuring a homemade yeast dough encasing layers of savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, fresh vegetables, and melted mozzarella, all topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, it offers a satisfying and indulgent meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef), cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix and knead the dough for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.
- Make the sauce: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the pie: Grease a 9-inch deep-dish or springform pan with olive oil. Divide the risen dough into two portions, allocating about two-thirds for the bottom crust and one-third for the top. Roll out the larger portion and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form a thick crust.
- Add the filling layers: Start by spreading the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on the dough base. Layer the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, sliced pepperoni, diced green bell pepper, diced onion, and grated Parmesan cheese over the cheese.
- Cover and seal: Roll out the remaining dough into a circle to cover the filling. Lay this dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal the pie tightly. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Top with sauce and bake: Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the top crust. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling set for cleaner slices and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the fillings by adding your favorite meats or vegetables to suit your taste.
- For extra flavor and a buttery finish, brush the crust with garlic butter immediately after baking.
- If you prefer a spicier pizza, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or filling.
