Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Hearty Pizza Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 26 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Hearty Pizza Pie features a homemade deep-dish crust filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage, melted mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and a medley of fresh vegetables and pepperoni. Baked to golden perfection, this pizza pie is perfect for a comforting family meal or a casual gathering.


Ingredients

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 (quantity as desired)

For the Toppings:

  • Additional shredded mozzarella cheese (about ½ cup)
  • Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture along with olive oil, then mix until a cohesive dough forms.
  3. Knead and Rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.
  4. Cook the Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until cooked through. Drain excess fat. Stir in the pizza sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes, then set aside.
  5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pizza pie.
  6. Roll Out Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large circle. Press it evenly into a greased deep-dish pan, ensuring the edges come slightly up the sides.
  7. Layer Cheese and Filling: Spread a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the crust, then evenly spoon the meat filling over it. Top with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers or jalapeños, and sprinkle more mozzarella (and optional cheddar) on top.
  8. Add Toppings: Arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese and add extra shredded cheese as desired for a bubbly top layer.
  9. Bake: Place the deep-dish pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pizza pie cool slightly before slicing into 6 to 6 slices and serving warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or a mix of both for varied flavor.
  • Feel free to swap the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
  • For a crispier crust, bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding the filling layers.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • To make the pizza spicier, include jalapeños or hot pepperoni and add red pepper flakes to the filling.