If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines all your favorite pizza flavors with the cozy satisfaction of a pie, look no further than this Hearty Pizza Pie. Imagine a golden, thick crust packed to the brim with sizzling Italian sausage, pepperoni, melty cheeses, and colorful veggies, all baked together in a deep-dish style that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight dinner or planning a fun gathering with friends, this recipe promises to deliver that unbeatable pizzeria aroma and a slice you’ll remember. Trust me, once you try this, Hearty Pizza Pie will become one of your most requested and beloved meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about Hearty Pizza Pie is how it transforms just a handful of classic pizza ingredients into something extra special. Each component brings its own personality—whether it’s the savory sausage, the gooey cheese, or the crisp, buttery crust. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to ensure every bite is absolutely irresistible:
- Pizza Dough (1 pound): Go homemade for extra love, or use a quality store-bought dough for speed—either way, you’ll get that satisfying deep-dish bite.
- Ground Italian Sausage (1/2 pound): This adds hearty, savory depth, and a touch of spice that wakes up every slice.
- Diced Pepperoni (1/2 cup): For a classic pizzeria kick—use thick-cut for more meaty texture.
- Chopped Onions (1/2 cup): They bring a mild sweetness and help balance all those rich flavors.
- Chopped Green Bell Peppers (1/2 cup): For color, crunch, and that classic pizza aroma.
- Pizza Sauce (1 cup): Choose your favorite—whether homemade or jarred, it sets the whole flavor base.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups): The magic melter! It’s what makes every forkful stringy and satisfying.
- Shredded Provolone or Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): A little extra cheese for a punchier flavor and golden finish.
- Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): This blend ties everything together with its herby goodness.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon, for brushing crust): Brushing the crust makes it shiny, golden, and just a little bit decadent.
How to Make Hearty Pizza Pie
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or a sturdy cast-iron skillet with a touch of olive oil or nonstick spray. This not only prevents sticking but also helps create that irresistible crispy crust on the base and sides of your Hearty Pizza Pie. Trust me, you’ll be glad you took this step when you’re slicing into that golden edge!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies
Place a skillet over medium heat and add the ground Italian sausage. Break it up as it cooks, letting it brown and sizzle until it’s no longer pink. Toss in the chopped onions and green bell peppers, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Drain off any excess grease—this keeps your filling hearty, not greasy! Stir in the diced pepperoni and pizza sauce, letting everything mingle for another minute, then take the skillet off the heat. The mixture should look saucy and full of promise.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, aiming for a circle that will fit your prepared pan with enough extra to cover the sides. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides, making sure there are no thin spots—this is what creates that deep-dish, pie-like structure. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a minute or two, then try again. You want a sturdy, cozy shell for your filling!
Step 4: Assemble the Hearty Pizza Pie
Spoon the hot sausage and veggie mixture evenly into your dough-lined pan, making sure every corner gets a bit of everything. Now for the best part: pile on the mozzarella cheese, followed by the provolone (or cheddar, if you like a little tang). Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top for that classic pizza aroma. Fold any excess dough over the filling for a rustic, golden edge that will hold in all that cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush the exposed dough edges generously with olive oil—this is the secret to a shiny, golden crust that just begs you to take a bite. Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling cheese and a deeply golden crust. The hardest part? Letting it rest for 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets just enough for perfect slices.
How to Serve Hearty Pizza Pie
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, I love to shower the Hearty Pizza Pie with a sprinkle of fresh basil, chopped parsley, or even red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. A dusting of grated Parmesan adds a salty punch and looks gorgeous on the gooey cheese. Serve with extra pizza sauce or warm marinara on the side for dipping—this takes it from great to unforgettable!
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal on its own, but if you want to round out your table, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect match. Garlic bread or breadsticks are always a hit, and roasted veggies or a simple antipasto platter bring a touch of freshness and color to the spread. Balance is key with a hearty main like this!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the Hearty Pizza Pie into wedges and serve atop a wooden pizza board, just like your favorite pizza joint. If you’re hosting a party, slice into smaller squares for easy finger food. For a family-style dinner, serve straight from the skillet or pie pan at the table—everyone will love digging in together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hearty Pizza Pie keeps beautifully! Simply let it cool completely, then wrap slices tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. Your leftovers will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. It makes for an unbeatable next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Hearty Pizza Pie, allow it to cool, then wrap individual slices (or the whole pie) well in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When that pizza craving hits, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also use a toaster oven for quick single servings. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the crust will be softer rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Swap in cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken sausage for a different meat flavor. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the sausage and pepperoni and load up on sautéed mushrooms, olives, or your favorite veggies. You’ll still get that classic Hearty Pizza Pie experience.
What if I don’t have a deep-dish pie pan?
No worries! A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works beautifully, giving you a crisp crust and deep sides. You can also use a round cake pan or any oven-safe dish that’s at least two inches deep. Just adjust the size of your dough circle as needed.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepping the dough in advance is a great time-saver. Homemade dough can be made a day ahead and stored, covered, in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out for the best texture and rise in your Hearty Pizza Pie.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Hearty Pizza Pie has a mild kick from the Italian sausage and pepperoni, but it’s generally family-friendly. If you want extra heat, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper, or use hot Italian sausage. Prefer it mild? Opt for sweet sausage or turkey sausage instead.
What cheeses work best for this pie?
Mozzarella is classic for melt and stretch, while provolone or cheddar add extra flavor and color. Feel free to experiment—fontina, gouda, or even pepper jack can all work for a different spin on your Hearty Pizza Pie. Just aim for cheeses that melt well for that signature gooeyness!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Hearty Pizza Pie as I am to share it with you! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that captures everything we love about pizza in a cozy, sliceable form. Give it a go for your next get-together or family dinner—you might just find it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, too.
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Hearty Pizza Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hearty Pizza Pie is a deliciously satisfying deep-dish pizza loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, fresh vegetables, and melted cheeses. Perfectly baked in a cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pan, it offers a rich, savory experience with a crispy crust and a hearty, flavorful filling. Ideal for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
Cheeses and Sauce
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan or a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until it is browned and cooked through. Add the chopped onions and green bell peppers and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Pepperoni and Sauce: Stir the diced pepperoni and pizza sauce into the cooked meat and vegetable mixture. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie pan or skillet. Press the dough into the pan so that it covers the bottom and sides evenly.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into the dough-lined pan. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and then the shredded provolone or cheddar cheese over the top. Evenly distribute the Italian seasoning over the cheese.
- Create the Crust Edge and Brush: Fold any excess dough over the filling edges to form a rustic crust border. Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil to encourage a golden brown crust.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add mushrooms, olives, or cooked bacon to the filling.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- This recipe can be adapted with different cheeses according to preference.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the sausage mixture to prevent a soggy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
