Description
Dive into the Ultimate Loaded Deep Dish Pizza, a symphony of flavors with layers of gooey cheese, savory meats, and a crispy crust.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage — 1 lb
- Refrigerator Pizza Dough or Homemade Deep Dish Dough — 1 package
- Mozzarella Cheese — 2 cups shredded, plus extra for the cheese wall
- Pepperoni Slices — 1/4 cup
- Jalapeño — 1, thinly sliced
- Marinara or Thick Pizza Sauce — 1 cup
- Olive Oil — 1 tbsp
- Garlic Powder — 1 tsp
- Dried Oregano — 1 tsp
- Salt & Black Pepper — to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Meat Filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef or sausage. Break it apart with a spatula, seasoning it with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until beautifully browned and aromatic. Drain any excess grease before proceeding.
- Prep the Deep Dish Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease your deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Take your pizza dough and press it firmly into the bottom and along the sides of the pan.
- Layer the Meat & Cheese: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the dough, evenly distribute the seasoned meat over the base, then pile on a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Finish the Toppings: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese layer, top with pepperoni slices and jalapeño rounds.
- Bake Until Golden & Bubbly: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust turns golden-brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Slice & Serve: Allow the pizza to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with charred zucchini and roasted red peppers for a delightful contrast.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare your meat filling and sauce in advance. Air fryers can create an incredibly delicious pizza if you adjust cooking times.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg