Description
This classic Deep-Dish Pizza Pie features a rich, hearty sausage and tomato sauce layered beneath melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in a thick, buttery crust. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this Chicago-style pizza is a comforting and satisfying main course that brings authentic pizzeria flavors to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Crust
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or cast-iron skillet and dust it with cornmeal to prevent sticking and add texture to the crust.
- Cook the sausage mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, cooking until browned and crumbled. Stir in diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes along with oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Roll and prepare dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring the edges come up around the sides to form a deep crust.
- Assemble the pizza: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough base. Spread the warm sausage-tomato sauce evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle grated Parmesan over everything. Brush the exposed dough edges with melted butter for a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese bubbles to a perfect melt.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or a vegetarian alternative for different flavors or dietary needs.
- Adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sausage mixture can boost the vegetable content and flavor.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before layering the toppings.
