Ultimate Deep-Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza: A Slice of Heaven

Introduction

Take your love for pizza to the next level with this Ultimate Deep-Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza recipe! Featuring a buttery crust, rich meat sauce, and layers of melty cheese, this pizza is a must-try for any comfort food enthusiast. Perfect for family dinners, weekend indulgences, or game night, this Chicago-style pizza is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Let’s get started!

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, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pizza Assembly:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them into small pieces as they cook.
2. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Add marinara sauce, oregano, basil, chili 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). 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 greased deep-dish pan, ensuring the edges go up the sides of the pan.
2. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the crust.
3. Spread the meat sauce evenly on top of the cheese.
4. Layer the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

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

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

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

Pro Tips for Success

• For a buttery crust, substitute half of the olive oil with melted butter.
• Add sliced pepperoni, bacon, or ham to the meat sauce for extra layers of flavor.
• Let the pizza cool slightly before cutting to prevent the cheese from sliding.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for the best results.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Deep-Dish Meat Lover’s Pizza is everything you want in a pizza—crispy crust, hearty meat sauce, and gooey cheese in every bite. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of Chicago to your home kitchen. Try this recipe today for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your creation online—happy baking!