Ultimate Deep Dish Meat Lover's Pizza Pie: A Hearty Homemade Recipe

Slice of Deep Dish Meat Lover's Pizza Pie with melted cheese, pepperoni, ground beef, and sausage

When hunger strikes and only something truly substantial will do, there's one dish that rises above the rest: the Deep Dish Meat Lover's Pizza Pie. Forget thin crusts and minimalist toppings; we're talking about a towering masterpiece packed with savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and an abundance of gooey, melted cheese, all encased in a golden, buttery crust. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience!

Originating from the Windy City, deep dish pizza has become a culinary icon, famous for its generous layers and hearty appeal. Our homemade version takes that beloved concept and elevates it with a triple threat of meat: seasoned ground beef, robust beef sausage, and zesty pepperoni. It's the perfect recipe for feeding a crowd, a hungry family, or simply satisfying that intense craving for an epic pizza night.

Why You'll Love This Deep Dish Meat Lover's Pizza

This isn't your average weeknight pizza. This is a special occasion, comfort food superstar that promises to be a showstopper. Here’s why it’ll quickly become a family favorite:

  • Packed with Flavor: Every bite is bursting with the savory goodness of three different meats, complemented by aromatic Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion.
  • Satisfyingly Hearty: A true meal in itself, this pizza pie will leave you feeling full and completely content.
  • Impressive Presentation: The towering layers and golden crust make for a stunning dish that’s perfect for entertaining or a memorable family dinner.
  • Customizable: While we love the meat lover's combination, you can easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite vegetables or other cheeses.

The Secret to a Perfect Deep Dish Crust

The crust is the foundation of any great deep dish pizza. For ease and fantastic results, we're using a refrigerated pizza dough, which saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture. The key is to press it firmly into your deep dish pan, ensuring it reaches up the sides to create that iconic high edge. A drizzle of olive oil before baking helps achieve that desirable golden crispness.

Ingredients You'll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards deep dish glory. You’ll need a few pantry staples and, of course, a fantastic selection of meats and cheeses:

  • Refrigerated pizza dough
  • Olive oil
  • Ground beef
  • Beef sausage
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Sugar, salt, and pepper
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

For efficient chopping of your onion and garlic, a quality chef's knife makes all the difference in prep time and precision.

How to Make Your Ultimate Deep Dish Meat Lover's Pizza Pie

Creating this magnificent pizza is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfect pie every time:

Prep the Meat Filling

Start by browning your ground beef and beef sausage in a large skillet. It's crucial to drain off any excess grease to prevent a soggy pizza. Once the meats are cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and tender. Stir in the Italian seasoning to infuse the mixture with classic pizza flavors.

Assemble Your Pizza Pie

This is where the magic happens! Press your pizza dough into a greased deep dish pan, creating a high rim. Layering is key for deep dish: start with half of the mozzarella cheese directly on the crust, followed by the savory meat mixture. Next, combine crushed tomatoes with sugar, salt, and pepper for a simple yet delicious sauce, and pour it over the meat. Finally, top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and those irresistible pepperoni slices.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your assembled pizza into a preheated oven. Bake until the crust is beautifully golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, a loose tent of aluminum foil can help prevent over-browning. Once baked, let your pizza rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese and fillings to set, making for cleaner slices and preventing a delicious mess!

Tips for the Best Deep Dish Pizza

  • Don't Skimp on Greasing the Pan: This is vital for easy removal and a crispy bottom crust.
  • Press Dough Firmly: Ensure no gaps and that the dough adheres well to the pan sides.
  • Drain Meats Thoroughly: Excess fat will make your pizza greasy and can lead to a soggy crust.
  • Resting is Key: Just like a good steak, resting your pizza allows the flavors to meld and the structure to solidify.

Serving Suggestions

A hearty Deep Dish Meat Lover's Pizza Pie pairs wonderfully with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A glass of your favorite red wine or a cold craft beer would also be excellent accompaniments. Get ready to indulge!

So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to create a truly unforgettable Deep Dish Meat Lover's Pizza Pie. It’s a labor of love that pays off in every single glorious bite!

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Slice of Deep Dish Meat Lover's Pizza Pie with melted cheese, pepperoni, ground beef, and sausage

Deep Dish Meat Lover's Pizza Pie


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  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices (4-6 servings) 1x
  • Diet: High Protein

Description

This indulgent Deep Dish Meat Lover's Pizza Pie is packed with savory ground beef, robust beef sausage, and zesty pepperoni, all baked into a thick, golden crust with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.


Ingredients

Scale

1 (13.8 ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound beef sausage, casings removed
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch deep dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet with olive oil.
Step 2: Press the pizza dough into the prepared pan, working it up the sides to form a crust. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the crust.
Step 3: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and beef sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 4: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook until the onion softens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Spread half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom of the pizza crust.
Step 6: Spoon the cooked meat mixture over the mozzarella cheese layer.
Step 7: In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Pour this tomato sauce evenly over the meat layer.
Step 8: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
Step 9: Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. If the crust edges brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 10: Let the pizza rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the cheese set and prevents the filling from spilling out.

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for 8-10 minutes before adding fillings. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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