If you have ever wanted to dive into a slice of warm, cheesy comfort with a hearty filling that feels like a big, delicious hug, this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. With its golden, buttery crust hugging a savory sausage and vegetable filling topped with gooey mozzarella, this dish brings the best of all worlds together in one satisfying pie. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family or friends, making every bite a celebration of classic, soul-soothing Italian-American flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is a breeze, and each component plays an essential role in crafting the ultimate balance of taste, texture, and color. From the seasoned Italian sausage to the vibrant bell peppers, every ingredient contributes something special to this culinary masterpiece.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Brings a rich, savory depth and a hearty protein base to the filling.
- Chopped onion (1 cup): Adds sweetness and a tender texture that mellows as it cooks.
- Chopped green bell pepper (1/2 cup): Offers a fresh, slightly bitter crunch and beautiful color contrast.
- Chopped red bell pepper (1/2 cup): Provides a sweet and juicy bite, enhancing the veggie mix.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Imparts an aromatic punch that elevates every other flavor.
- Diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 oz can): Give juicy freshness and a slight tang to brighten the sauce.
- Tomato sauce (8 oz can): Creates the rich, comforting base that holds the filling together.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses a classic Italian herb essence that’s aromatic and slightly peppery.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a sweet and floral note, balancing the tomato base perfectly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor, making each bite sing.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat to wake up your palate.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (10 oz package): Serves as the buttery, golden crust that cradles all the delicious fillings.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts to a bubbly, stretchy perfection topping your pie.
How to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and cooking the Italian sausage with chopped onion, green and red bell peppers. Allow the sausage to brown thoroughly while the vegetables soften, which helps release their natural sweetness and blends those flavors perfectly. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the pie from becoming overly greasy while maintaining all the taste.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Add minced garlic to the skillet for that signature savory aroma, then stir in drained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce along with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This simmering step melds the herbs with the tomatoes and meat juices, creating a complex, warmly seasoned sauce that’s silky yet chunky — pure comfort in every spoonful.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough Base
While your sauce simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, press the refrigerated pizza dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, making sure it’s evenly spread and reaches the edges. This creates the iconic thick crust that can hold that lovely filling without breaking, promising a crisp and golden foundation.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Fill the dough-lined pie dish with your savory sausage and vegetable sauce mixture, ensuring it’s nicely packed but not overflowing. Pop this into the oven and bake for 20 minutes to let the crust set and start to brown. After that, remove from the oven and generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the pie to bake another 10 minutes or until the cheese melts fully and bubbles with a slightly golden hue on top.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
When your Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe comes out, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short pause helps the cheese settle and the filling set just enough for clean slicing, while keeping everything warm and inviting. Then, slice it up and watch as the layers of crust, savory meat, veggies, and melty cheese steal the spotlight at your table.
How to Serve Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley instantly brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color. For an extra burst of flavor, a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the experience, making each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
Deep-Dish Pizza Pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a vibrant mixed green salad tossed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad for some crisp, tangy contrast. Garlic bread or a plate of roasted vegetables also complements the rich, hearty flavors perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve slices with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping or alongside a cold glass of your favorite Italian wine or sparkling lemonade. Offering toppings like sliced olives, pepperoncini, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on the side gives guests the opportunity to customize their slice just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Deep-Dish Pizza Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep the crust from getting soggy, ensuring each reheated bite stays delicious and fresh-tasting.
Freezing
To freeze the pizza pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture before reheating.
Reheating
For the most flavorful reheating, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F oven and warm for 10-15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives this recipe its classic flavor, ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage substitute can work well. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain that rich savory profile.
Can I make the Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free pizza dough available at many stores, or make your own from gluten-free flours. Just be mindful of baking times, as gluten-free dough can behave a little differently.
Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, olives, spinach, or zucchini can be great additions. Just cook them with the other vegetables to soften before assembling the pie.
How spicy is this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe?
The recipe itself is mild but flavorful. You can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit more heat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the entire pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting from a cold pie.
Final Thoughts
This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is a wonderful way to bring everyone together around the table with a dish that feels both substantial and comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend celebration, this pie delivers layers of flavor and satisfaction in every slice. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, creating warm memories with every bite.
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Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Deep-Dish Pizza Pie features a savory Italian sausage and vegetable tomato sauce baked within a crispy pizza dough crust, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a classic, comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Crust and Cheese
- 1 (10 oz) package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the pizza pie.
- Cook sausage and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage along with chopped onion and both green and red bell peppers until the sausage is browned and vegetables soften. Drain excess grease to keep the pie from becoming oily.
- Simmer sauce: Stir in minced garlic, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into the skillet mixture. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Prepare crust: Press the refrigerated pizza dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
- Fill crust: Spoon the sausage and vegetable tomato mixture evenly into the dough-lined pie dish.
- Initial bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the crust and filling to cook through.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the pie, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then return it to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the pizza pie stand for 5 minutes to set before slicing and serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Drain excess grease after cooking sausage to prevent soggy crust.
- Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken for a richer taste.
- You can add extra toppings like mushrooms or olives if desired.
- Allowing the pie to rest before slicing helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
- If refrigerated dough is not available, homemade or store-bought pizza dough can be substituted.
