Deep-Dish Pizza Pie

Deep-dish pizza pie is a hearty, savory dish that’s perfect for pizza lovers looking for something a bit different. Combining the rich flavors of Italian sausage, bell peppers, and a homemade tomato sauce all nestled inside a golden, buttery pizza dough crust, this dish is a comforting twist on traditional pizza. The deep-dish style gives you a more substantial slice, with layers of savory filling and melted mozzarella cheese that make every bite irresistible.

This pizza pie is incredibly satisfying, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The thick, doughy crust provides a sturdy base for the savory filling, while the gooey cheese and spicy sausage bring it all together. It’s great for family dinners, parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something hearty and comforting. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a special occasion every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This deep-dish pizza pie is everything you love about pizza but with a heartier, more filling twist. The combination of savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and rich tomato sauce creates a satisfying and flavorful base that is complemented by a buttery, flaky crust. The best part? It’s easy to make, and you can have it ready in under an hour, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. The thick layers of cheese melt perfectly over the savory filling, creating an indulgent dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pizza or looking for something new, this deep-dish pizza pie will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Italian sausage
• Chopped onion
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Chopped red bell pepper
• Minced garlic
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the Crust:

• Refrigerated pizza dough

For the Topping:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Variations

• Meat Alternatives: You can swap the Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage alternative for a different flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Cheese Variety: While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for added flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the sausage mixture for a spicy kick.
• Whole Wheat Crust: For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat pizza dough or a gluten-free crust.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the deep-dish pizza pie.

Step 2: Cook the sausage and vegetables

In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage, chopped onion, and bell peppers over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease from the mixture.

Step 3: Add garlic and tomato mixture

Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the pizza dough

Press the refrigerated pizza dough into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to cover the bottom and press it up the sides to form a crust.

Step 5: Add the filling

Spoon the sausage and vegetable mixture into the dough-lined pie dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The crust should begin to set and slightly brown.

Step 7: Add the cheese

Remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the filling. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Cool and serve

Allow the pizza pie to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pre-bake the crust: If you want an extra crispy crust, you can pre-bake the pizza dough for a few minutes before adding the filling.
• Drain the tomatoes: Be sure to drain the canned diced tomatoes to avoid excess liquid that could make the pizza soggy.
• Use a large skillet: You need enough room to cook the sausage and vegetables comfortably without overcrowding the pan.
• Don’t overfill the pie: Avoid overstuffing the pie to ensure the dough cooks evenly and the filling doesn’t spill over.
• Rest before serving: Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier.

How to Serve

Serve this deep-dish pizza pie straight from the pie dish or cut it into wedges for a fun, individual-sized serving. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. This dish is hearty enough to be the main course for a dinner party or a casual family meal. It’s perfect for serving with a chilled glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover deep-dish pizza pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pizza pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices, but reheating in the oven helps maintain the crust’s crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this deep-dish pizza pie in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the entire pie in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just bake it once you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just ensure it’s rolled out thinly enough to fit in the pie dish.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can mix and match different cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, or provolone, to suit your taste.

4. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version, or any other type of sausage you prefer.

5. How can I make the crust crispier?

Pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding the filling to give the crust a head start in crisping up.

6. Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

7. How do I avoid a soggy crust?

Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes and cook the filling until it thickens to avoid excess moisture in the crust.

8. Can I freeze this pizza pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pizza pie after baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.

9. How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

10. Can I make this pizza pie gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pizza dough to make the pie gluten-free.

Conclusion

This deep-dish pizza pie is the ultimate comfort food, combining all your favorite pizza ingredients into one delicious, hearty dish. With its savory sausage, vegetables, and gooey melted cheese inside a buttery, golden crust, it’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this deep-dish pizza pie is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you make it ahead of time or enjoy it fresh out of the oven, this dish offers the perfect balance of textures and tastes that everyone will love.

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