If you have ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into a hearty, comforting pie bursting with Italian flavors, this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Layered with a rich sausage and vegetable filling, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, and nestled in a golden, buttery crust, this recipe brings the best of pizza and pie together. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or for satisfying those big appetite days when only a generous slice of deep-dish delight will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and full of character, the ingredients for this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe are essentials that build layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the savory sausage to the tender bell peppers and aromatic herbs, making your dish irresistible.
- Italian sausage: Provides a rich, savory base with plenty of seasoning.
- Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the sausage.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly sharp crunch and vibrant color.
- Red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and a burst of red color for visual appeal.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable warm and pungent aroma.
- Diced tomatoes (drained): Adds juicy texture and a bright tomato flavor without excess liquid.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, saucy layer to bind the filling together.
- Dried oregano: Brings a hint of Mediterranean earthiness.
- Dried basil: Enhances the Italian herbs profile with fragrant sweetness.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: The perfect crust base that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to form that irresistible gooey topping everyone loves.
How to Make Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Filling
Begin by preheating your oven to a warm 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to bake your masterpiece. Then, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage alongside chopped onion and both green and red bell peppers. This step marries the flavors beautifully and softens the vegetables, creating a savory foundation for the pie. Remember to drain any excess grease to keep the filling perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Building the Sauce
Once your sausage and veggies are nicely cooked, stir in minced garlic, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes. Simmering helps the flavors meld together, deepening the taste with a lovely tomato herb sauce that clings beautifully to each bite.
Step 3: Lining the Pie Dish
Grab your refrigerated pizza dough and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. The dough should cover the dish evenly, creating a sturdy yet tender crust to hold all that scrumptious filling. This dough base is key to the structure of your deep-dish pizza pie.
Step 4: Assembling the Pizza Pie
Now, spoon the hearty sausage and vegetable mixture into your dough-lined pie dish. Spread it evenly to build layers of flavor in every bite. This step is where your pie really begins to take shape and promises comfort with every slice.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Pop the pie into the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. This initial baking sets the crust and heats the filling through. After 20 minutes, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the top and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly, with slightly golden edges.
Step 6: Resting and Serving
Once baked, allow the Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe to stand for 5 minutes before slicing. This brief rest helps the filling set, making it easier to cut perfect slices that stay intact and ooze cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really take this dish to the next level. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or a handful of vibrant parsley on top to add a fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and meat.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette perfectly balances out the richness of the pizza pie. Or if you want to lean into the Italian theme, try roasted garlic bread or a light antipasto platter filled with olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve slices of the Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe on rustic wooden boards or colorful ceramic plates with small bowls of chili flakes and grated Parmesan on the side. Inviting everyone to customize their slice turns dinner into a fun, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover deep-dish pizza pie tastes just as good the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious second helping.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen deep-dish pizza pie stays fresh for up to 2 months, making it a great option for busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture and gooey cheesiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage offers bold flavors, you can substitute with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even vegetarian sausage if preferred.
Is it possible to make this Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the refrigerated pizza dough for a gluten-free crust alternative. There are many store-bought options or homemade recipes that work beautifully.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even olives to customize your pie with your favorite veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I know when the deep-dish pizza pie is done baking?
Look for bubbly, golden cheese on top and a crust that’s nicely browned around the edges. The filling should be hot and slightly bubbling inside.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
You can prepare the sausage and vegetable filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just assemble the pie and follow the baking steps as usual.
Final Thoughts
This Deep-Dish Pizza Pie Recipe is truly a homey, crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table. With its layers of savory filling, melty cheese, and perfectly baked crust, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug in food form. I can’t wait for you to try it out—it’s bound to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
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 Deep-Dish Pizza Pie recipe features a hearty Italian sausage and vegetable filling simmered in a savory tomato sauce, all baked in a crispy pizza dough crust and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting and satisfying homemade pizza experience.
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 Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Dough 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, cook the Italian sausage, chopped onion, and green and red bell peppers over medium heat until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper into the sausage mixture. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare Dough: Press the refrigerated pizza dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, forming a crust to hold the filling.
- Add Filling: Spoon the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly into the dough-lined pie dish.
- First Bake: Bake the pie for 20 minutes in the preheated oven to set the filling and crust.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the partially baked pie, then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the deep-dish pizza stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- Drain the excess grease after cooking the sausage to prevent a soggy crust.
- You can customize the vegetables by adding mushrooms or olives if desired.
- If using homemade pizza dough, ensure it is well chilled before pressing into the pie dish.
- Allow the pizza to rest after baking for easier slicing and melty cheese texture.
