If you love deep-dish pizza, this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie will become a favorite at your dinner table. It’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that combines everything you love about pizza—crispy crust, melty cheese, savory beef, and bold toppings—baked into a thick, flavorful pie. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or game day parties, offering a filling and delicious alternative to takeout pizza.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pizza Pie
- Hearty and Filling: This deep dish is packed with layers of meat, cheese, and sauce.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like mushrooms, olives, or jalapeños.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 lb pizza dough – You can use store-bought dough for convenience or homemade if you prefer.
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce, divided
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (reserved from above)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Pepperoni slices
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, mushrooms, or black olives
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a deep 9-inch cake pan or a cast iron skillet for best results.
2. Cook the Beef Filling
In a large skillet, add the ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Season the mixture with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup of the pizza sauce and let it simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Crust
Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, about 12–13 inches in diameter. Press the dough into the prepared pan, making sure it comes up the sides like a pie crust. This will hold all the filling and toppings.
4. Assemble the Deep Dish Pizza
Begin layering your ingredients inside the dough-lined pan:
- First, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella at the bottom.
- Add the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture, pressing it down gently.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese (if using) and the remaining mozzarella on top of the beef.
- Spoon the remaining 1/2 cup of pizza sauce over the top.
- Add pepperoni slices, and other desired toppings like jalapeños or mushrooms.
5. Bake
Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with slightly crisp edges.
6. Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step helps the layers set and makes slicing easier, much like a lasagna or traditional meat pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this deep-dish pizza with:
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Garlic breadsticks or roasted vegetables
- Chili flakes or Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top for added flavor
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melty cheese.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Pizza Pie
- Dough thickness matters: If your dough is too thin, it may tear under the weight of the filling. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness.
- Avoid soggy crusts: Pre-cooking the beef and draining the fat helps prevent a soggy base.
- Let it rest: Always allow your pizza pie to cool slightly before cutting—it holds shape better and enhances flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is more than just a pizza—it’s a full meal in every slice. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a comforting, oven-baked dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s bound to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.