Deep-Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Introduction

Indulge in the ultimate pizza experience with this Deep-Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza! With a thick, golden crust, a hearty meat sauce, and layers of gooey, melted cheese, this recipe brings the best of Chicago-style pizza to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees satisfaction with every slice. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar or provolone cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture, stirring until the dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking them into small pieces.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9-inch (23cm) deep-dish pan with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and press it into the prepared pan, allowing the edges to go up the sides.
2. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the crust.
3. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the cheese layer.
4. Top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional cheddar or provolone cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
2. Slice into wedges and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Success

• For a buttery crust, replace half of the olive oil with melted butter.
• Add extra toppings like pepperoni, bacon, or mushrooms to customize your pizza.
• Let the pizza cool slightly before cutting to ensure clean slices.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for the best results.

Conclusion

This Deep-Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its crispy crust, rich meat sauce, and layers of cheesy goodness, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of homemade perfection. Don’t forget to share your pizza creation online—happy baking!