Deep Dish Pizza Pie (Easy, Cheesy, and Family-Friendly)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Deep Dish Pizza Pie is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect meal for a family dinner or casual get-together. The best part? It’s super easy to make! With a refrigerated pizza dough crust, it cuts down on prep time, leaving you with a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can customize the filling to your liking – add veggies, switch up the meat, or pile on more cheese if you prefer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80%)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (8 oz) pizza sauce
• 1 can (11 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original French Bread
• 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (8 oz)
• 1 package (3 oz) pepperoni slices
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Extra pizza sauce (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the pizza sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Unroll the Pillsbury™ French Bread dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate or deep-dish pizza pan.
5. Layer the bottom of the dough with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
6. Add the cooked beef and onion mixture on top of the cheese.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the beef mixture.
8. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush this egg wash over the edges of the dough to give it a golden, shiny finish.
10. Bake the pizza pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
11. Let the pizza pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Meat Options: Feel free to switch out the ground beef for sausage, turkey, or even a combination of meats for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a veggie-packed pizza pie.
• Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy pizza pie, you can add more shredded mozzarella or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispness of the crust.

FAQs

How do I make sure the crust is fully cooked?

Make sure to bake the pie until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. You can check the bottom of the crust by lifting the pie slightly with a spatula to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can I freeze this pizza pie?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Simply assemble the pizza and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can make your own dough, but the refrigerated dough saves a lot of time.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Italian cheese blend with mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese you prefer. Just make sure it’s a melting cheese for the best results.

Is there a way to make this pizza pie spicier?

Yes, you can add a few dashes of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a little kick.

How can I make the crust crispier?

To achieve a crispier crust, preheat the baking pan in the oven before placing the dough in it. This helps the dough start baking immediately and gives it a crunchier texture.

Can I make this pizza pie in advance?

Yes, you can prep the pie in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I add more toppings to this pizza pie?

Definitely! You can add any pizza topping you love, such as olives, green peppers, mushrooms, or even fresh basil.

How do I know when the pizza pie is done?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the filling is bubbling. If you’re unsure, you can insert a knife or toothpick in the center to check if it comes out hot.

Can I use a different sauce other than pizza sauce?

You can use marinara sauce or even Alfredo sauce if you’re looking for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the sauce is thick enough to not make the crust soggy.

Conclusion

This Deep Dish Pizza Pie is a family-friendly, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner or a fun twist on traditional pizza, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its delicious layers of savory beef, pepperoni, and melted cheese, this pizza pie will become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy it hot, fresh out of the oven, and watch it disappear in no time!

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