There’s something irresistibly comforting about a thick, golden deep-dish pizza.
This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie brings all the best parts of pizza into one glorious, cheesy, meaty slice — with a buttery homemade crust that hugs every delicious layer.
From the crispy pepperoni topping to the gooey mozzarella and rich tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or when you’re just craving something ultra-satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
Thick, hearty crust that holds up to all the fillings
Fully loaded with cheese, beef, and veggies
Customizable toppings based on what you love most
Perfect for sharing or meal-prepping slices ahead of time
Ultimate comfort food baked to golden perfection
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
All-purpose flour + yeast: For a soft yet sturdy homemade crust
Ground beef or Italian sausage: Savory, rich flavor in every bite
Mozzarella & cheddar: A gooey, cheesy combo
Pizza sauce: Adds tangy, tomato richness
Mushrooms, peppers, pepperoni: For texture and bold toppings
Pro Tips Before You Start
Let the dough rise fully for a softer, more flavorful crust
Press the dough all the way up the sides of the pan to hold the filling
Use a springform pan for easier slicing and serving
Pre-cook the filling to avoid excess moisture during baking
How to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie
Step 1: Make the Dough
Mix warm water and yeast in a small bowl.
Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Cook ground beef or sausage in a skillet until browned.
Drain the fat. Stir in the pizza sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough and press it into a greased deep baking or springform pan, covering the bottom and sides.
Add a layer of shredded mozzarella, then the meat sauce, mushrooms, and peppers.
Repeat layers if desired. Top with more mozzarella, pepperoni, and extra vegetables.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice into portions and serve hot.
Delicious with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or breadsticks
Caesar or garden salad
A cold soda or craft beer
Pickled jalapeños for heat
Variations / Substitutions
Use turkey sausage or ground chicken instead of beef
Swap in marinara or spicy arrabbiata sauce
Add olives, onions, or spinach for variety
Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and doubling veggies
Storage & Leftovers
Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm and crispy
Freeze slices individually for easy grab-and-go meals
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, just make sure it’s a thick, pizza-style dough to support the filling.
What’s the best pan to use?
A springform pan or deep cake pan works great for easy release and structure.
Can I freeze the unbaked pie?
Yes, assemble the pie, wrap it tightly, and freeze.
Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add jalapeños or spicy sausage. Easily customizable!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-cook the meat filling and don’t overload with sauce. Let it rest after baking.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use two pans or make a taller pie in a larger springform pan.
Final Thoughts
This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie is the kind of meal that brings people to the table.
With its buttery crust, gooey center, and bold flavors in every bite, it’s a pizza night upgrade you’ll crave again and again.
Homemade, hearty, and totally worth the effort.
Deep Dish Pizza Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 ¼ pounds ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- ⅔ cup sliced mushrooms
- ⅔ cup sliced green bell peppers or jalapeños
- Pepperoni slices
Toppings:
- ½ cup extra shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional pepperoni slices and vegetables for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together warm water and yeast.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://mischacrossing.com/deep-dish-pizza-pie/
Notes
- Swap the beef for spicy sausage or ground turkey if you like.
- Feel free to add onions, olives, or your favorite pizza toppings.
- Cheddar is optional but adds great flavor and color.
