Description
This Hearty Pizza Pie features a homemade crust filled with a savory blend of ground beef or Italian sausage, pizza sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, topped with mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a satisfying deep-dish pizza perfect for a family meal or gathering.
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 active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it’s active and ready.
- Make Dough Mixture: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in pizza sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pizza pie.
- Shape Dough: Roll out the risen dough into a large circle and press it evenly into a greased deep-dish pan, forming the pizza crust.
- Layer Ingredients: Start with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese directly on the crust, then spread the meat filling over the cheese. Add sliced mushrooms and bell peppers or jalapeños, followed by the cheddar cheese (if using).
- Add Toppings: Distribute pepperoni slices and sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to complete the layering.
- Bake: Place the assembled pizza pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza pie from the oven. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables.
- Allowing the dough to fully rise is key for a fluffy crust.
- Use a deep-dish pan to achieve a thick, hearty pizza pie.
- Optional cheddar cheese adds a sharper flavor but can be omitted or substituted with another cheese.
