There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling deep dish pizza pie from the oven – that first whiff of melted mozzarella and spicy pepperoni takes me right back to Friday nights at my grandma’s house. She’d make this exact recipe, loaded with ground beef and oozing cheese, while we kids set the table. Years later, I still crave that perfect balance of crisp crust, savory meat, and stretchy cheese that only a proper deep dish delivers. This isn’t just pizza – it’s a whole meal in one glorious, cheesy package that’ll have everyone fighting for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Pizza Pie
Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer for pizza night. Here’s why it’s become my absolute go-to:
- So easy to throw together – it feels more like assembling than actual cooking.
- Insanely cheesy with that perfect, gooey stretch in every single bite.
- Incredibly hearty and filling – one slice is a whole meal!
- The ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or when friends come over.
It’s basically a cozy, cheesy casserole disguised as a pizza, and I am here for it.
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Ingredients for Deep Dish Pizza Pie
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy masterpiece – I’ve perfected these quantities through many trial-and-error pizza nights:
- 1 lb ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (red works too for sweetness)
- 2 tsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional if you like heat)
- 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce (or marinara in a pinch)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional but recommended)
- 20-30 pepperoni slices (more is always better!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing the pan
- 2 tubes refrigerated pizza dough or 1 lb fresh dough
Pro tip from my grandma: measure everything before you start – it makes assembly so much smoother when you’re in the pizza-making zone!
Equipment Needed for Deep Dish Pizza Pie
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe – just a few trusty kitchen staples I bet you already have:
- Deep pie dish or 8-9 inch springform pan (this is key for the signature high sides)
- Large skillet for browning that delicious beef mixture
- Standard oven (mine’s old but gets the job done!)
- Basic kitchen tools – wooden spoon, measuring spoons, knife for chopping
That’s it! Though I sometimes use my grandma’s old pastry brush to oil the pan – makes me feel fancy.
How to Make Deep Dish Pizza Pie
Okay, here’s where the magic happens – follow these steps exactly like I do, and you’ll have a perfect deep dish pie every single time. I’ve learned this routine by heart after making it practically every Friday for years!
Step 1: Prep the Crust
First things first – grab that deep pie dish and give it a good coating of olive oil. Trust me, you don’t want your masterpiece sticking! Now take your pizza dough (I usually use the refrigerated kind for convenience) and press it firmly into the pan. Work it up the sides about 1 1/2 inches – this creates that iconic deep dish rim. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – rustic is charming!
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
While your oven preheats to 400°F, let’s make that amazing meat filling. Brown the ground beef with the onions and bell pepper in your skillet. Oh, that sizzling sound gets me every time! When it’s nicely browned, drain off the grease (important step – nobody wants a greasy pizza). Then stir in the garlic and all those wonderful spices. The smell alone will have your family hovering in the kitchen!
Step 3: Layer the Deep Dish Pizza Pie
Now for the fun part – building those beautiful layers! Spread half the pizza sauce over the crust, then sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella (I always sneak a few extra pinches). Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the cheese – this is your flavor foundation! Top with remaining sauce, then the rest of the mozzarella and optional Parmesan. Finally, artfully arrange those pepperoni slices – I like to overlap them slightly for full coverage.
Step 4: Bake and Rest
Pop your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 28-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is gloriously bubbly and the crust is golden brown. If the top browns too quickly (it happens!), just tent it loosely with foil. Here’s the hardest part – let it rest for 10 full minutes before slicing. I know the wait is torture, but this lets everything set properly so you get those picture-perfect slices!
Tips for the Best Deep Dish Pizza Pie
After countless pizza nights, I’ve nailed down a few secrets that make all the difference:
- Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings – gives it that perfect crispy edge
- Adjust spices to taste – add extra red pepper flakes if your crew likes it spicy
- Let the beef mixture cool slightly before layering to prevent a soggy crust
- Use full-fat cheese – it melts better and gives you those epic cheese pulls
My biggest tip? Don’t skimp on the pepperoni – more is always better!
Ingredient Substitutions for Deep Dish Pizza Pie
No ground beef? No problem! This recipe is super flexible – here are my favorite swaps that still taste amazing:
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef (just add extra Italian seasoning for flavor)
- Vegan cheese works if you’re dairy-free (I like the meltable mozzarella-style ones)
- Homemade pizza sauce if you’re feeling fancy (I use canned tomatoes + garlic/oregano)
- Sausage or mushrooms make great veggie alternatives to pepperoni
Just remember – the cheesier, the better! That’s my golden rule for deep dish success.
Serving Suggestions for Deep Dish Pizza Pie
This beauty stands tall on its own, but I love serving it with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for dipping. A cold beer or soda completes the ultimate pizza night feast – just like my grandma used to do!
Storing and Reheating Deep Dish Pizza Pie
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), they’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes – this brings back that crispy crust. Microwave works in a pinch, but expect a softer texture. Pro tip: freeze individual slices between parchment paper for quick future meals!
Deep Dish Pizza Pie Nutrition
Here’s the scoop on nutrition – these estimates are per serving (about 1/6th of the pie) using standard ingredients: 610 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated), 32g protein, and 55g carbs. Remember, exact numbers will vary based on your specific brands and any tweaks you make to the recipe!
FAQs About Deep Dish Pizza Pie
Q1. Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw it completely in the fridge overnight first. Frozen dough works great for deep dish pizza pie – it’s actually what I use most often. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan for easier handling.
Q2. How can I make this pizza pie spicier?
Two ways I love: double the red pepper flakes in the beef mixture, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. For extra kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper on top before baking – it’ll toast up beautifully with the cheese!
Q3. Can I prep this ground beef pizza bake ahead of time?
You bet! Cook and drain the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead. Store it in the fridge, then assemble everything right before baking. The dough must go in fresh though – no pre-assembling or you’ll get a soggy crust.
Q4. What’s the best cheese blend for cheesy deep dish pizza?
While mozzarella is essential for that perfect melt, I sometimes mix in provolone or fontina (about 1/2 cup) for extra flavor. The parmesan topping adds nice sharpness too. Just avoid pre-shredded “pizza blends” – they often contain anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
Q5. Can I make this in a regular pizza pan?
For that authentic deep dish experience, you really need a deep pie dish or springform pan. Regular pans will give you more of a pizza casserole – still tasty, but without those signature high sides that hold all that glorious filling!
Amazing 5-Step Deep Dish Pizza Pie That Melts Hearts
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty deep dish pizza pie with ground beef, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce (or marinara)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- 20–30 pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for the pan)
- 2 tubes refrigerated pizza dough or 1 lb fresh pizza dough
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a deep pie dish or 8–9 inch springform pan.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and bell pepper until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Press pizza dough into the pan, up the sides to form a deep crust.
- Spoon in half the pizza sauce, then add 1 1/2 cups mozzarella.
- Add the beef mixture in an even layer. Spoon remaining sauce over top.
- Top with remaining mozzarella (and Parmesan if using). Arrange pepperoni slices across the top.
- Bake 28–35 minutes, until the crust is golden and the top is bubbly. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing so it holds together.
Notes
- Use a deep pie dish or springform pan for best results.
- For extra crispiness, pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg