Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza pie is the perfect hybrid of pizza and pie, offering the best of both worlds. It’s customizable with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love. The thick crust holds all the cheesy goodness and savory fillings together, ensuring that each slice is packed with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as filling as it is delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling:

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup cheddar cheese (optional)
½ cup sliced mushrooms
½ cup sliced green bell peppers or jalapeños
Pepperoni slices

Toppings:

Additional shredded mozzarella
Extra pepperoni and vegetables for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
Cook the Filling: Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the fat, then stir in the pizza sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside.
Assemble the Pizza Pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough into a large circle and press it into a greased deep-dish pan. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, then the meat filling, followed by mushrooms, bell peppers, and more cheese. Top with pepperoni slices and additional cheese.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve: Let the pizza pie cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 slices
Prep time: 1 hour (including dough rise)
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on more veggies like olives, spinach, or artichokes.
Spicy: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought dough can be used to save time without compromising flavor.

2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. What other meats can I use in the filling?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative.

4. Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, freeze the unbaked pie for up to 2 months, then bake it directly from frozen.

5. What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

You can substitute with provolone, gouda, or any other cheese you prefer.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Add more mushrooms, spinach, or any other vegetables for extra flavor.

7. How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese on the dough before adding the meat to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

8. Can I use a different pizza sauce?

Yes, you can use marinara sauce or even a white sauce for a different flavor profile.

9. How can I make this pie spicier?

Add spicy sausage, extra pepperoni, or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.

10. Can I make individual servings?

Yes, you can make individual mini pizza pies by dividing the dough and filling into smaller pans.

Conclusion

Hearty Pizza Pie is the perfect dish to satisfy your pizza cravings with a comforting, filling twist. With its rich layers of cheese, meat, and vegetables, this deep-dish pizza pie is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and ideal for any occasion!

Hearty Pizza Pie

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 6 slices
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Hearty Pizza Pie combines the flavors of pizza and pie, with a thick, golden crust, gooey cheese, savory meat, and fresh vegetables. This deep-dish pizza is a filling, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
Cook the Filling:
- Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the fat, then stir in the pizza sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside.
Assemble the Pizza Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough into a large circle and press it into a greased deep-dish pan.
- Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, then the meat filling, followed by mushrooms, bell peppers, and more cheese.
- Top with pepperoni slices and additional cheese.
Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve:
- Let the pizza pie cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Variations:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version of this pie.

Vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on more veggies like olives, spinach, or artichokes.

Spicy: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Prep Time: 1 hour (including dough rise)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Pizza
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian