The stuffed deep dish pizza pie is the perfect fusion of a classic pizza and a hearty, comforting pie.
With its golden crust, gooey cheese center, and savory beef and vegetable filling, it’s the ideal dish to satisfy a hungry family or impress friends at a casual dinner party.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through making this culinary masterpiece at home!
👉 Ingredients (US Cup Measurements):
For the crust:
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1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the filling:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 cup diced onion
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1/2 cup diced bell pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 cup pizza sauce (divided)
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the topping:
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1/2 cup remaining pizza sauce
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Pepperoni slices
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Sliced jalapeños or mushrooms (optional)
👉 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Filling:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper until the beef is nicely browned and the vegetables are soft.
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Drain any excess fat.
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Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the pizza sauce.
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Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Crust:
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Grease a deep cake pan or a large cast-iron skillet.
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Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle.
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Press the dough into the pan, making sure it comes up the sides like a pie crust.
4. Assemble the Pizza Pie:
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Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust.
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Spoon in the beef mixture and press it down gently.
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Sprinkle the cheddar cheese (if using) and the remaining mozzarella over the beef.
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Spoon the rest of the pizza sauce over the top.
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Finish by layering with pepperoni slices and optional jalapeños or mushrooms.
5. Bake:
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Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Cool and Serve:
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Let the pizza pie rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
(This helps it set and hold together beautifully!)
📅 Prep and Cook Time:
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Preparation Time: 30 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
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Total Time: About 1 hour and 10 minutes
🌍 Calories:
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Approximately 480 to 520 kcal per slice (depending on additional toppings)
💡 Tips for a Perfect Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie:
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Crispier Crust: Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the fillings to get a crispier bottom.
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Meltier Cheese: Mix mozzarella with provolone for a more authentic deep-dish experience.
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Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef filling with a sautéed mix of mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta.
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Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano directly into the filling for extra aroma.
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Spicy Kick: A few drops of hot sauce in the beef mixture can really elevate the flavor!
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Freezer Friendly: This pizza pie freezes beautifully. Slice into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for a quick dinner option later.
🍴 Serving Ideas:
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Serve with a fresh green salad for balance.
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Offer dipping sauces like ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even extra pizza sauce on the side.
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Top with fresh basil leaves just before serving for a bright, fresh touch!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Pizza Pie:
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Deep and satisfying: Every bite is packed with gooey cheese, tender beef, and delicious sauce.
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Family Favorite: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks.
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Make Ahead: Prepare it a day before and bake fresh before serving.
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Flexible: Add your favorite toppings or fillings based on what you love.
The Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is more than just a meal — it’s an experience. Rich, cheesy, and indulgent, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Whether for a cozy weekend dinner, a birthday celebration, or simply because you’re craving something extra special, this deep-dish wonder is always a hit.