Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza Bake
Indulge in this Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza Bake, a tantalizing fusion of a classic pizza and a hearty casserole. With a thick, buttery crust that's both crispy and soft, this dish is loaded with layers of savory ground beef, rich pizza sauce, and gooey melted cheese, making it perfect for your next family gathering or a cozy night in. Customize it with your favorite toppings and get ready to dive into a slice that's both filling and flavorful. Though it's packed with delicious ingredients, you might find that picking it up is a challenge; a fork and knife may be in order for this ridiculously cheesy delight!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Warm water or milk
1 cup (Warm to about 110°F (43°C))
Active dry yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package (Dissolve in warm water or milk)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (Dissolve with the yeast)
All-purpose flour
2 3/4 cups (Measure directly)
Parmesan cheese
1 ounce (Grated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Measure directly)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For the dough)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Lean ground beef
1 lb (Raw, to be browned)
Onion
1 (Thinly sliced)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced)
Chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Measure directly)
Pizza sauce
1 (14 ounce) jar (Measure directly)
Mushrooms
8 ounces (Sliced (fresh or canned))
Sliced pepperoni
1 (4 ounce) package (Measure directly)
Mozzarella cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (Grated)
Sliced black olives
1 (6 ounce) can (Drain and set aside)
Instructions
1
Start by dissolving the sugar and yeast in warm water or milk in a measuring cup or small bowl. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2
In a large bowl, combine the flour, grated parmesan cheese, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture.
3
Pour the yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the well. Mix until the dough starts to form. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Season with chili powder, then sauté for about 10 minutes until the meat is browned and the onions are tender.
6
Grease a 9x12-inch cake pan with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan to create a crust.
7
Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Layer half of the cooked meat mixture, mushrooms, pepperoni, and black olives on top, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese.
8
Pour the remaining pizza sauce over the layers, followed by the rest of the meat mixture, mushrooms, pepperoni, black olives, and finally top it all with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza Bake?
It is a tantalizing fusion of a classic pizza and a hearty casserole, featuring a thick, buttery crust and layered savory ingredients.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 17 specific ingredients used to make this deep dish pizza bake.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the pizza bake in the oven?
The pizza should bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef, which is sautéed with onions and garlic.
What size pan is recommended for the Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza Bake?
A 9x12-inch cake pan is used to press the dough and layer the ingredients.
How do I prepare the yeast for the crust?
Dissolve sugar and active dry yeast in warm water or milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
What should the temperature of the water or milk be for the yeast?
The liquid should be warmed to approximately 110°F (43°C).
Is there cheese inside the pizza dough crust?
Yes, one ounce of grated parmesan cheese is mixed directly into the flour and salt for the dough.
How long should the dough rest after mixing?
Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes to let the yeast activate after the initial mixing.
What seasoning is added to the ground beef?
The ground beef is seasoned with 1.5 teaspoons of chili powder during the sautéing process.
How long do I need to sauté the beef and onions?
Sauté the ground beef, sliced onion, and minced garlic for about 10 minutes until the meat is browned.
How much pizza sauce is needed?
The recipe requires one 14-ounce jar of pizza sauce.
What toppings are included in this specific version?
The toppings include mushrooms, sliced pepperoni, and sliced black olives.
How much mozzarella cheese is used total?
You will need two 8-ounce packages of grated mozzarella cheese.
How is the dough shaped in the pan?
Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the greased pan to create a deep crust.
How are the ingredients layered in the dish?
The ingredients are layered in two stages: half the sauce, meat, and toppings, followed by cheese, then repeating with the remaining half.
Can I use canned mushrooms for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or canned sliced mushrooms.
Should the black olives be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, one 6-ounce can of sliced black olives should be drained before being added to the layers.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is described as being thick, buttery, and both crispy and soft.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, it is considered a perfect comfort food for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Do I need special utensils to eat this pizza?
Because it is so thick and cheesy, a fork and knife may be necessary to enjoy this dish.
Can I customize the toppings in this bake?
Absolutely, the recipe is highly customizable, and you are encouraged to add your favorite pizza toppings.
How much olive oil is used in the dough and pan preparation?
Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil for the dough and 1 teaspoon to grease the cake pan.
How much sugar is used in the yeast mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sugar to be dissolved with the yeast.
What type of yeast is used for the crust?
One 1/4 ounce package of active dry yeast is required.
How much flour is needed for the dough?
The crust requires 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies using one onion, thinly sliced.
Should I let the pizza cool before serving?
Yes, allow it to cool for a few minutes after baking to make slicing and serving easier.
How much pepperoni is used?
One 4-ounce package of sliced pepperoni is layered into the pizza bake.