Description
This Hearty Pizza Pie features a homemade deep-dish crust filled with savory ground beef or Italian sausage, layered with rich pizza sauce, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, mushrooms, bell peppers, and topped with pepperoni slices. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this comforting pizza pie is a crowd-pleaser ideal for family dinners or casual 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 (quantity as desired)
For the Toppings:
- Additional shredded mozzarella cheese (to taste)
- Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, activating the yeast to help the dough rise.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms, making sure ingredients are fully incorporated.
- 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 in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Cook the Filling: Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in the pizza sauce and continue cooking for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Set the filling aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking of 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 a sturdy base and edges to hold the filling.
- Layer the Filling: Start with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on the dough. Add the meat filling evenly over the cheese, then distribute sliced mushrooms and bell peppers (or jalapeños). Sprinkle additional mozzarella and optional cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add Toppings: Place pepperoni slices evenly over the pizza pie and sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese for a cheesy topping.
- Bake: Bake the pizza pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Remove the pizza pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty homemade pizza pie.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or a plant-based alternative according to preference.
- Adjust the amount of cheese and pepperoni to your taste or dietary needs.
- Allowing the dough to rise fully is crucial for a light and airy crust.
- Using a deep-dish pan helps contain all the fillings and toppings for a true pizza pie experience.
- Leftover pizza pie can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
