Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Slice

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is one of those feel-good dishes I come back to when I want something utterly comforting and satisfying. This recipe features a thick golden crust hugging layers of gooey cheese savory meat fresh veggies and a customizable array of your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you are serving a hungry family on a weeknight or impressing friends for game day this hearty pizza pie always wins smiles.

I first made this on a blustery Sunday when everyone needed a pick-me-up and now it is become our fun Friday tradition. My kids love adding their own toppings before it hits the oven.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: brings structure and chew to the crust look for unbleached flour for best texture
• Sugar: just a touch to feed the yeast and help the crust brown
• Salt: brings out the flavors in the dough use a fine sea salt for even distribution
• Warm water: activates the yeast aim for water that is just warm to your touch
• Active dry yeast: gives the crust its rise always check the expiration date
• Olive oil: keeps the dough tender and gives flavor choose extra virgin
• Ground beef or Italian sausage: for a rich hearty filling go for freshly ground meat if possible
• Pizza sauce: brings tang and moisture use a good-quality jarred or homemade sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into creamy gooey goodness always buy block cheese and shred yourself if you can
• Cheddar cheese: adds richer flavor totally optional but so tasty
• Sliced mushrooms: give earthiness pick firm mushrooms and wipe clean before slicing
• Green bell peppers or jalapeños: both do great for crunch and a pop of color choose brightly colored ones
• Pepperoni slices: add spice and classic pizza aroma use your favorite brand
• Extra mozzarella and toppings: because more is always better

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Mix warm water and yeast in a small bowl then wait about five minutes until foamy proofing here is key so your dough rises well

Combine flour sugar and salt in a big bowl:

add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil mix gently until a sticky dough forms

Knead the dough:

on a lightly floured surface for eight to ten minutes until it is smooth and springs back when pressed proper kneading develops gluten for a sturdy crust

Cover with a damp cloth:

let it rise somewhere warm for about one hour or until doubled this rising stage makes the crust fluffy inside

Cook the Filling:

Brown your ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat break up the meat as you go until no longer pink drain off to keep it from being greasy

Add pizza sauce:

to the meat and simmer for five minutes this step thickens everything so your pie is not watery set aside after mixing

Assemble the Pizza Pie:

Preheat your oven to 375 Fahrenheit that is 190 Celsius Roll out the dough into a large circle aim for about half an inch thickness gently press the dough into a greased deep pan trim off any extra hanging over the edge Layer a good amount of shredded mozzarella right onto the crust this shields it from moisture and keeps the base crisp Spoon in the cooked meat filling and spread evenly layer in the mushrooms and bell peppers then add another scattering of cheese and toppings stack in any order you like Top with the rest of your mozzarella and arrange pepperoni or extra veggies on top for a finishing touch

Bake:

Pop your pizza pie into the oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes the crust will turn deeply golden and the cheese should bubble across the top this is when your kitchen smells like heaven Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing to keep everything neat

Serve and Enjoy:

Cut generous slices and serve warm with a crisp side salad or buttery garlic bread for a full meal that feels like a hug from the inside

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My personal favorite is the crust those crispy edges are always fought over at our dinner table every time I make this the kitchen becomes a gathering spot and my husband likes to sneak extra cheese onto his slice

Storage Tips

Cool your pizza pie completely before wrapping leftovers store in the fridge in an airtight container slices keep well for three to four days crust will stay pleasantly soft but always crisp up slices in a hot oven or dry skillet for that just-baked feel

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage or use all vegetables if you prefer a meatless option For the cheese blend experiment with Monterey jack or provolone or embrace spicier flavors with chorizo or pickled jalapeños Always use what you have on hand if needed

Serving Suggestions

A big slice pairs perfectly with a fresh Caesar or garden salad A classic combo is garlic knots or simple roasted broccoli on the side For extra fun set out bowls of extra toppings for everyone to customize their own slice after baking

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A Little History

Deep-Dish Pizza Pie comes from Chicago kitchens where cooks wanted a fork-and-knife pizza that satisfied like a meal The generous crust and hearty layers are all about comfort and abundance no matter where you enjoy it

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make the crust extra crisp?

For a crisper crust, bake the pizza pie on the lower oven rack and brush the dough with olive oil before layering the ingredients.

→ Can I use different meats or make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or seasoned vegetables for a vegetarian version, and adjust fillings to taste.

→ What cheese blends work best for deep-dish pizza pie?

Use mozzarella for meltiness, and add cheddar or provolone for extra flavor. Mixing cheeses gives a rich, gooey texture.

→ How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Make sure the crust is pressed evenly into the pan, pre-cook watery veggies, and bake until golden to avoid excess moisture.

→ Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before assembling.

→ What are ideal topping combinations?

Classic toppings include pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives, but feel free to customize with favorites.