
How to Make the Perfect Deep-Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza at Home
Introduction
Craving a hearty, cheesy pizza that’s loaded with flavor? Look no further than this Deep-Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza recipe! With its thick crust, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese layers, this homemade pizza is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Let’s jump into this easy-to-follow recipe and bring the taste of Chicago-style pizza to your table.
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) Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pizza Assembly:
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, 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). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) deep-dish pan with olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit the deep-dish pan, leaving some dough to go up the sides. Press the dough into the pan.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the crust.
- Spread the meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese if using.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Slice into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, add sliced pepperoni or cooked bacon to the meat sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the sauce.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven.
Conclusion
This Deep-Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for pizza night. With its thick, crispy crust, savory meat sauce, and gooey layers of cheese, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food. Don’t forget to share your pizza masterpiece online—happy cooking!