Description
This Deep Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza Pie is the ultimate indulgence for pizza enthusiasts. Packed with savory ground beef, Italian sausage, and a generous blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses, this hearty pizza is sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites. The robust tomato sauce, infused with Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes, complements the rich meat flavors perfectly. Baked in a deep-dish pan, this pizza boasts a thick, crispy crust that can hold all the delicious toppings. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the instant yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and the yeast mixture. Add the olive oil. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms, approximately 8 minutes. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Meat Sauce: While the dough is rising, prepare the meat sauce. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 5: Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or a springform pan.
Step 8: Assemble the Pizza: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large circle, slightly larger than the pizza pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the greased pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides to form a deep dish.
Step 9: Layer the Cheeses: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, the provolone cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough.
Step 10: Add Pepperoni (Optional): If using pepperoni, layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
Step 11: Spread the Meat Sauce: Spread the meat sauce evenly over the cheese and pepperoni.
Step 12: Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce.
Step 13: Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 14: Cool and Garnish: Let the pizza cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves before serving.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with meat and cheese, this pizza is incredibly satisfying.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or game nights.
- Flavorful: The combination of savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheeses is irresistible.
- Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the taste of homemade pizza!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, garlic butter, or marinara.
- Enjoy with a cold beverage, like beer, soda, or iced tea.
Tips:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 10 minutes before adding the toppings.
- If you don’t have a deep-dish pan, you can use a regular pizza pan, but the pizza will be thinner.
- Feel free to add other toppings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (+ 1 hour rising time)
Nutrition Information: (per slice, based on 8 slices)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Conclusion
This Deep Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza Pie is a showstopper that’s sure to impress. With its thick, crispy crust, flavorful meat sauce, and generous layers of cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a hearty meal, this pizza is the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade heaven!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with other meats such as ground turkey, pepperoni, or ham. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
- What if I don’t have a deep-dish pan?
- If you don’t have a deep-dish pan, you can use a regular pizza pan. However, the pizza will be thinner, so you may need to adjust the baking time.
- Can I add vegetables to this pizza?
- Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives. Sauté them before adding them to the pizza.
- How do I store leftover pizza?
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
