Description
This Hearty Pizza Pie is a delicious homemade deep-dish pizza packed with a flavorful meat filling, melted cheese, and vibrant vegetables. The crispy, golden crust is made from scratch with a simple yeast dough, making it a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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
For the Toppings:
- Additional shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour to double in size.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage thoroughly. Drain any fat, then add pizza sauce to the pan and cook together for an additional 5 minutes until the flavors meld. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pizza pie.
- Form the Crust: Roll out the risen dough into a large circle and press it into a greased deep-dish pan, ensuring the dough covers the bottom and sides evenly.
- Layer the Pizza: Start by adding a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on the crust. Next, spread the meat filling evenly over the cheese. Add sliced mushrooms and bell peppers or jalapeños, then sprinkle more mozzarella and optional cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add Toppings: Arrange pepperoni slices on top, then sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese for a bubbly, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the pizza pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice and serve warm, garnished with additional pepperoni and vegetables if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful filling.
- Feel free to customize the vegetable toppings according to your preference.
- Letting the dough rest and rise properly is essential for a light and airy crust.
- Using a deep-dish pan helps to achieve the classic pizza pie thickness and structure.
- For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on the lower rack of the oven.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
