Name: Hearty Pizza Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); Flour for dusting; 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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If you’re craving the best of both worlds—cozy comfort food and irresistible crunch—Hearty Pizza Pie is your new go-to dinner hero. This luscious deep-dish creation features layers of golden pizza dough, savory sausage, vibrant veggies, and gooey, bubbling cheese. Whether you’re serving a hungry family, welcoming friends for game night, or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this one-pan wonder has everything to satisfy your pizza cravings in a seriously satisfying way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Hearty Pizza Pie matters, coming together to deliver a fabulous fusion of flavor, texture, and color. Simple pantry staples and classic pizza toppings get elevated in this deep-dish masterpiece, so gather your ingredients and let’s build a pie worth savoring.

Pizza dough (1 pound): The foundation of our pie! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade dough for that thick, chewy crust.
Italian sausage (1/2 pound, cooked and crumbled): Robust, meaty flavor that becomes the star of every bite. Cook ahead for convenience.
Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): A bright, zesty layer that ties all the savory and cheesy elements together.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Delivers creamy, stretchy melt and classic pizza goodness.
Shredded provolone cheese (1/2 cup): Adds depth and a mild, buttery flavor to the cheese blend.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Salty, nutty finish that enhances every layer.
Chopped green bell pepper (1/4 cup): Brings brightness, color, and a gentle crunch.
Chopped red onion (1/4 cup): Pops of sweetness and gorgeous color with every slice.
Dried oregano (1/4 teaspoon): A sprinkle of herby, Italian aroma makes it unmistakably pizza.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): An easy way to infuse rich, garlicky flavor throughout the pie.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For brushing the crust, delivering sheen and crunch.
Flour for dusting: Ensures the dough is easy to handle and prevents sticking.

How to Make Hearty Pizza Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 425°F, so the crust turns golden and irresistibly crisp. Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or cast iron skillet, then sprinkle a bit of flour to prevent sticking—this step ensures a beautiful release and a perfectly baked bottom.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Dust your counter with a handful of flour and roll out your pizza dough until it’s a bit larger than your pan. Press it into the dish, making sure the edges come up along the sides to create that signature deep-dish hug. This is your canvas for all the tasty layers to come!

Step 3: Build the Layers

Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the bottom, leaving a little border for the crust. Scatter in the cooked, crumbled sausage, then dot over the chopped green bell pepper and red onion for freshness and crunch. When you start layering the cheeses—mozzarella, provolone, and finally a shower of Parmesan—you’ll see the pie transform into something truly swoon-worthy.

Step 4: Add Seasoning and Glaze

Sprinkle dried oregano and garlic powder evenly over the top. These little touches nail the classic Italian pizzeria aroma. Finish by brushing the exposed edges of the dough with olive oil for a shiny, golden crust once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pie into the hot oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese melts into a bubbling, bronzed blanket and the crust turns deep golden. Let it cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes—this makes slicing a breeze and lets all the flavors settle to pizza perfection.

How to Serve Hearty Pizza Pie

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil, a crack of black pepper, or even a handful of extra Parmesan can elevate every slice of Hearty Pizza Pie. If you like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes add the perfect zing. Don’t forget a drizzle of good olive oil for shine and flavor boost, straight out of the oven!

Side Dishes

Round out your table with a simple green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, some garlicky roasted vegetables, or a basket of warm breadsticks. The rich, savory flavors of this Hearty Pizza Pie pair beautifully with light sides that refresh your palate for another delicious bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopper dinner, slice the pie at the table and garnish each plate individually. Serve Hearty Pizza Pie with bowls of marinara, garlic dip, or a ranch drizzle for dippable fun. You can even bake in mini pie pans for personal-sized pies—perfect for parties or family pizza nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Hearty Pizza Pie tastes just as great the next day! Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment if stacking slices to keep the cheese and crust from sticking together.

Freezing

If you have extra pie or want to prep ahead, wrap individual slices (or the whole cooled pie) in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months—just be sure to label the date. When you’re ready for a quick meal, defrost overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet for 10–15 minutes. This revives the crisp crust and melty cheese. If you’re short on time, the microwave works—place a damp paper towel over the slice and heat for 1–2 minutes, checking for gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat in Hearty Pizza Pie?

Absolutely! Swap in cooked ground beef, turkey, bacon, or even diced grilled chicken. You can also make it vegetarian by loading up on extra veggies or meat alternatives.

What’s the best way to get a crispy bottom crust?

A hot pan is key! You can preheat your pie dish or skillet in the oven before adding the dough, which helps the crust set up crisp and golden.

Can I make Hearty Pizza Pie ahead of time?

Definitely—you can assemble the pie a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping it in the oven.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or a cauliflower crust as a stand-in. Just make sure to adjust for any differences in texture or bake time.

What toppings can I add or substitute?

Hearty Pizza Pie is endlessly customizable. Try mushrooms, olives, spinach, or pepperoni. Play with different cheeses or throw in a spicy pepper for a little kick—the pie is your canvas!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling, golden Hearty Pizza Pie from the oven and sharing it around the table. It’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to any gathering. Give it a try—your dinner crew will be cheering for seconds!

Hearty Pizza Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 slices 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and satisfying Hearty Pizza Pie that brings together the flavors of a classic deep-dish pizza. This recipe features a golden crust topped with savory Italian sausage, a blend of cheeses, and colorful veggies, all baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Flour for dusting

Toppings:

1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan and dust with flour.
Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough and press it into the pan, allowing the edges to come up the sides.
Add Sauce: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
Add Toppings: Layer in cooked sausage, bell pepper, and onion. Sprinkle with cheeses and seasonings.
Bake: Brush crust edges with olive oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.