Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is the ultimate comfort food. The pizza dough forms a sturdy crust, while the layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and pizza sauce create an indulgent combination that’s sure to satisfy any craving. The pizza is fully customizable with your favorite toppings—whether you prefer pepperoni, jalapeños, mushrooms, or extra cheese, you can make it your own. With a cook time of just 40 minutes, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any night when you need something hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound pizza dough (either store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup pizza sauce (divided)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ cup pizza sauce (reserved for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (reserved for topping)
- Pepperoni slices for topping
- Sliced jalapeños or mushrooms (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and diced bell pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and ½ cup of the pizza sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- Prepare the crust: Grease a deep cake pan or cast-iron skillet. Roll out the pizza dough and carefully press it into the pan, ensuring the dough extends up the sides to form a deep dish crust.
- Assemble the pizza: Evenly layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the prepared crust. Top with the cooked beef mixture, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese (if using), and then the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add the toppings: Spoon the remaining ½ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the top layer of cheese. Arrange the pepperoni slices and any additional toppings, such as sliced jalapeños or mushrooms, as desired.
- Bake: Bake the pizza uncovered for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Allow the pizza to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months for an easy meal later.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or even a combination of meats for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes! Store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly, but if you prefer, you can use homemade sauce for a fresher, personalized touch.
4. How do I know when the pizza is done?
The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature of the pie; it should reach 165°F.
5. Can I add extra cheese?
Definitely! You can add more mozzarella or even try provolone, ricotta, or parmesan for an extra cheesy pizza.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours. Just bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese besides mozzarella and cheddar?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as provolone, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a richer flavor.
8. Can I freeze the pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza. Once it’s baked and cooled, wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
9. Can I add vegetables to this pizza?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, olives, or zucchini. Just sauté or drain any excess moisture from veggies before adding them to avoid sogginess.
10. What should I serve with this pizza?
This stuffed deep dish pizza pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or some garlic bread for a more filling meal.
Conclusion
Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is a comforting, indulgent meal that’s perfect for any pizza lover. With its savory layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a golden, buttery crust, it’s sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and sides for a complete meal everyone will love!
Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is an indulgent and hearty comfort food featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and pizza sauce, all encased in a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests.
Ingredients
1 pound pizza dough (either store-bought or homemade)
1 pound ground beef
½ cup diced onion
½ cup diced bell pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup pizza sauce (divided)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
½ cup pizza sauce (reserved for topping)
Pepperoni slices for topping
Sliced jalapeños or mushrooms (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and diced bell pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and ½ cup of the pizza sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- Prepare the crust: Grease a deep cake pan or cast-iron skillet. Roll out the pizza dough and carefully press it into the pan, ensuring the dough extends up the sides to form a deep dish crust.
- Assemble the pizza: Evenly layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the prepared crust. Top with the cooked beef mixture, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese (if using), and then the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add the toppings: Spoon the remaining ½ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the top layer of cheese. Arrange the pepperoni slices and any additional toppings, such as sliced jalapeños or mushrooms, as desired.
- Bake: Bake the pizza uncovered for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Allow the pizza to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or a combination of meats for a different flavor profile.
Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version of this pizza.
Store-bought pizza sauce is fine, but homemade sauce adds a personal touch.
The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
For extra cheese, add more mozzarella or try provolone, ricotta, or Parmesan.
Prepare the pizza ahead of time and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
Freezing is an option once baked. Wrap tightly and freeze for 2–3 months. Reheat at 350°F.
Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, olives, or zucchini for extra nutrition—just sauté or drain moisture to avoid sogginess.
Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
