If you’re a pizza fanatic who loves thick, hearty meals, then this Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is about to become your new favorite recipe. Loaded with layers of gooey cheese, savory meat, tangy sauce, and classic pizza toppings all tucked into a golden crust, this dish delivers everything you love about pizza in a satisfying pie-style format.

Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something indulgent and cheesy, this recipe is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress. In this post, you’ll get step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, FAQs, and storage solutions to make your pizza pie perfect.

Who Should Try This Recipe?

This dish is for:

• Pizza lovers who want to level up their slice game

• Families looking for a crowd-pleasing, filling dinner

• Meal preppers who love leftovers that reheat beautifully

• Home cooks ready to explore the deep-dish side of pizza

It’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal and versatile enough to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 cup diced onion

• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 cup pizza sauce (divided)

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional for extra flavor)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (from above)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• Pepperoni slices

• Sliced jalapeños or mushrooms (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Deep 9-inch cake pan or 10-inch cast iron skillet

• Large skillet for cooking the filling

• Rolling pin

• Mixing spoon or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Oven mitts

• Aluminum foil (optional for crust shielding)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the crust bakes evenly and the cheese gets perfectly bubbly.

2. Cook the Filling

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and veggies are soft. Drain any excess fat.

Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and about 1/2 cup pizza sauce. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Crust

Grease your cake pan or cast iron skillet generously with oil or nonstick spray. Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle, about 12–14 inches wide, and press it into the pan, letting the dough come up the sides like a pie crust.

4. Assemble the Pizza Pie

• Spread half of the shredded mozzarella over the dough base.

• Add the beef mixture, pressing it down lightly for even layers.

• Sprinkle with cheddar (if using) and the remaining mozzarella.

• Spoon the rest of the pizza sauce over the top.

• Finish with pepperoni slices and any optional toppings like jalapeños or mushrooms.

5. Bake

Place your pizza pie in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Optional: If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.

6. Cool and Serve

Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This step is key — it allows the filling to set so you can cut neat, pie-like wedges that hold together.

Tips for Pizza Pie Success

• Let dough come to room temp: Cold dough is harder to roll out and can shrink back when pressed into the pan.

• Use quality cheese: Pre-shredded cheese works, but shredding fresh mozzarella gives a better melt and flavor.

• Customize your toppings: Make it meatless, spicy, or even breakfast-themed — more ideas below!

• Grease your pan well: This helps the crust crisp up and prevents sticking.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Alternatives:

• Ground turkey or chicken

• Plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version

• Italian sausage for added spice

Veggie Additions:

• Spinach, mushrooms, olives, roasted red peppers

• Swap bell pepper for jalapeños if you like heat

Cheese Variations:

• Try provolone, fontina, or gouda for extra richness

• Add ricotta between layers for a lasagna-pizza hybrid

Sauce Swaps:

• Marinara, pesto, or even BBQ sauce for unique flavor twists

Storage and Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes

• Microwave: Use 50% power for even heating and to avoid soggy crust

Freezer: You can freeze fully baked and cooled slices. Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Suggested Pairings

This deep dish pizza pie is rich and cheesy, so pair it with something light and refreshing:

• Drinks: Sparkling water, light beer, red wine (Chianti or Pinot Noir)

• Sides: Caesar salad, garlic knots, roasted vegetables

• Dessert: Keep it simple — a scoop of gelato or a crisp apple sorbet complements the savory richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! It saves time and still works beautifully. Just let it sit out 30 minutes before rolling.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and assemble the pizza pie, then refrigerate it unbaked for up to 12 hours. Let it come to room temp before baking.

Q: What’s the best pan to use?
A 9-inch cake pan gives you that tall, deep dish effect. A cast iron skillet also works and adds a crispy bottom.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough and double-check that your sauce and toppings are gluten-free.

Q: How do I know when it’s done baking?
The cheese should be bubbling and slightly browned, and the crust should be golden. An internal temp of 165°F ensures it’s heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie is the kind of dish that turns a regular night into a celebration. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor — everything you want from comfort food. Plus, it’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen.

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Now go preheat that oven — your pizza pie awaits! 🍕🥧🔥