Description
This Hearty Pizza Pie features a homemade deep-dish crust filled with a savory blend of ground beef or Italian sausage, pizza sauce, cheeses, and fresh vegetables, topped with pepperoni and extra cheese for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing 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, combine warm water and active dry yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt thoroughly.
- Form Dough: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Knead and Rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and allow it to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in pizza sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pizza pie.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the risen dough into a large circle suitable for a deep-dish pan, then press it evenly into the greased pan, forming the crust base and sides.
- Layer Ingredients: Start by spreading a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the crust, then evenly distribute the meat filling, followed by mushrooms, bell peppers (or jalapeños), and sprinkle cheddar cheese if using.
- Add Toppings: Arrange pepperoni slices on top and finish with additional shredded mozzarella cheese for a cheesy top layer.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven, let the pizza pie cool slightly for easier slicing, then cut into 6 to 6 slices and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
- Use your favorite brand or homemade pizza sauce for best results.
- Optional cheddar cheese adds additional flavor but can be omitted.
- Adjust vegetable toppings according to preference or seasonal availability.
- Ensure the dough rises fully to achieve a light and fluffy crust.
- Letting the pizza cool slightly helps the cheese set and prevents burns while serving.
