Description
This Hearty Pizza Pie features a homemade deep-dish crust filled with a savory mixture of ground beef or Italian sausage, pizza sauce, and a blend of cheeses and vegetables. Topped with pepperoni and extra cheese, this comforting pizza is perfect for a family dinner and yields 6 generous slices.
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, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix everything together until a dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Cook the Filling: Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, stir in the pizza sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking the pizza pie.
- Shape the Dough: Roll out the risen dough into a large circle and press it into a greased deep-dish pan, forming an even base and sides.
- Layer the Pizza: Start with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on the crust, then spread the meat filling evenly. Add mushrooms, bell peppers (or jalapeños), and sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using.
- Add Toppings: Top the layered filling with pepperoni slices and additional shredded mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness.
- Bake: Bake the pizza pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the pizza pie to cool slightly to set before slicing into six pieces and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
- Use bell peppers for a milder taste, or jalapeños if you prefer some heat.
- Adding cheddar cheese is optional but adds a nice sharp flavor to the filling.
- Make sure to let the dough rise adequately for a fluffy crust.
- Let the pizza rest a few minutes before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out.
