Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe: A Hearty Slice of Comfort 🍕
When you're craving something bold, cheesy, saucy, and seriously satisfying, there’s no better fix than a thick slice of homemade deep-dish pizza pie. This recipe takes everything you love about traditional pizza — melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, seasoned beef, sautéed veggies, and rich tomato sauce — and tucks it into a buttery, crisp-edged crust you make from scratch. 🔥🧀
This is the ultimate weekend comfort food, date-night dish, or crowd-pleasing dinner. Inspired by the famous Chicago-style pizza, this pie-style version is all about the deep, thick crust that cradles layers of meaty, cheesy goodness.
If you love cheesy baked comfort meals, you’ll also love Stuffed Crust Skillet Pizza or Pizza Casserole.
Equipment
- 10-inch deep-dish or cast-iron skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk and wooden spoon or stand mixer
- Small saucepan (optional, for warming sauce or sautéing veggies)
- Rolling pin – for spreading the dough
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven preheated to 425°F
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup warm water about 110°F
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Meat & Toppings:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage browned and drained
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup mushrooms sliced
- ½ cup green bell peppers or jalapeños diced
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Extra mozzarella for topping
✅ Optional garnishes: dried oregano, red pepper flakes, parmesan, fresh basil
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Preheat & Prep Fillings
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- While the dough rises:
- Brown the ground beef or sausage, season lightly with salt and pepper, and drain excess fat.
- Slice mushrooms and peppers.
- Optional: Sauté veggies in a bit of olive oil for added flavor and less moisture.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a 12-inch circle.
- Grease your 10-inch deep-dish pan or cast iron skillet.
- Press the dough into the pan, working it up the sides. Let it rest for 5 minutes to prevent shrinkage.
Step 4: Layer the Pie
- In this order:
- Shredded mozzarella (1 cup) – forms a melty base.
- Ground beef or sausage
- Sliced pepperoni
- Sautéed mushrooms and peppers
- Pizza sauce – spread evenly on top
- Shredded cheddar + extra mozzarella – for a cheesy, bubbly finish
Step 5: Bake
- Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, or until:
- Crust is golden brown
- Cheese is bubbly and melted
- Sauce slightly caramelized on top
🔥 Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to get the cheese extra golden.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
- Let the pizza pie rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, or grated parmesan.
- Serve with a side salad, garlic knots, or just extra napkins — this pie is hearty!
Notes
🔁 Variations
1. Vegetarian Deep-Dish Pizza
Omit meat and load up on spinach, olives, mushrooms, onions, artichokes, or roasted veggies. 2. Spicy Version
Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy sausage to turn up the heat. 3. BBQ Chicken Style
Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce, use shredded rotisserie chicken, and top with red onion and cilantro. 4. Four Cheese Pie
Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and ricotta for ultra cheesy perfection. 5. Store-Bought Shortcut
Use pre-made pizza dough to cut the prep time in half! 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer:
Freeze slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Reheat:
For best texture, reheat in a skillet or toaster oven rather than microwave. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-made dough?
Absolutely — store-bought pizza dough works great in a pinch. 2. What’s the difference between deep-dish and regular pizza?
Deep-dish has a thicker crust, layers of cheese and fillings, and the sauce goes on top. 3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use a gluten-free pizza dough and ensure your toppings are GF-certified. 4. What pan is best for deep-dish pizza?
A cast iron skillet or deep cake pan gives the best crisp edges. 5. Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes, but pat it dry first to avoid excess moisture. 6. Do I have to pre-cook the meat?
Yes — raw meat won’t fully cook in the short bake time. 7. Why does the sauce go on top?
It prevents the cheese from burning and keeps the crust from getting soggy. 8. How do I know it’s done?
Look for bubbly cheese, golden edges, and a firm base that lifts easily from the pan. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use two pans or a large baking dish. 10. What side dishes go well with this?
A simple Caesar salad, garlic knots, or roasted broccoli pairs well. ✅ Conclusion
This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is the definition of crave-worthy comfort. With a golden homemade crust, layers of flavorful meats and veggies, gooey cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s everything you want from a slice of pizza — just thicker, cheesier, and even more indulgent. Whether you're making it for pizza night, feeding a crowd, or just treating yourself to something seriously satisfying, this deep-dish pizza will hit the spot every single time. Looking for more cheesy crowd-pleasers? Pizza Monkey Bread Cheesy Lasagna Soup Sheet Pan Pizza Party
1. Vegetarian Deep-Dish Pizza
Omit meat and load up on spinach, olives, mushrooms, onions, artichokes, or roasted veggies. 2. Spicy Version
Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy sausage to turn up the heat. 3. BBQ Chicken Style
Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce, use shredded rotisserie chicken, and top with red onion and cilantro. 4. Four Cheese Pie
Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and ricotta for ultra cheesy perfection. 5. Store-Bought Shortcut
Use pre-made pizza dough to cut the prep time in half! 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer:
Freeze slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Reheat:
For best texture, reheat in a skillet or toaster oven rather than microwave. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-made dough?
Absolutely — store-bought pizza dough works great in a pinch. 2. What’s the difference between deep-dish and regular pizza?
Deep-dish has a thicker crust, layers of cheese and fillings, and the sauce goes on top. 3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use a gluten-free pizza dough and ensure your toppings are GF-certified. 4. What pan is best for deep-dish pizza?
A cast iron skillet or deep cake pan gives the best crisp edges. 5. Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes, but pat it dry first to avoid excess moisture. 6. Do I have to pre-cook the meat?
Yes — raw meat won’t fully cook in the short bake time. 7. Why does the sauce go on top?
It prevents the cheese from burning and keeps the crust from getting soggy. 8. How do I know it’s done?
Look for bubbly cheese, golden edges, and a firm base that lifts easily from the pan. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use two pans or a large baking dish. 10. What side dishes go well with this?
A simple Caesar salad, garlic knots, or roasted broccoli pairs well. ✅ Conclusion
This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is the definition of crave-worthy comfort. With a golden homemade crust, layers of flavorful meats and veggies, gooey cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s everything you want from a slice of pizza — just thicker, cheesier, and even more indulgent. Whether you're making it for pizza night, feeding a crowd, or just treating yourself to something seriously satisfying, this deep-dish pizza will hit the spot every single time. Looking for more cheesy crowd-pleasers? Pizza Monkey Bread Cheesy Lasagna Soup Sheet Pan Pizza Party