Ultimate Deep Dish Pizza with Cheesy Goodness and Savory Meatballs
If you’re craving a pizza experience that’s indulgent, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this Deep Dish Pizza with Cheese and Meatballs is your ticket to pizza paradise. Originating from the windy city of Chicago, deep dish pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust, generous layers of cheese, and rich toppings piled high in a deep pan. This recipe combines the classic elements of a Chicago-style pizza with a homemade touch, featuring a golden crust, gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and tender, flavorful meatballs. Whether you’re hosting a game night, feeding a hungry family, or simply treating yourself, this pizza is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this masterpiece at home!
Ingredients
For the Homemade Pizza Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast (or instant yeast for quicker prep)
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar (to activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for flavor balance)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C, not too hot to avoid killing the yeast)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for a rich, tender crust)
For the Flavor-Packed Toppings:
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture works best for even melting)
- 1 ¼ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese (for creamy pockets of goodness)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference, or a combination)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce, plus extra for serving)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for that classic pizza flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a savory kick)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade, sliced in half for easy layering)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for a vibrant, fresh garnish)
- Optional extras: Grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil for finishing
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch or 10-inch deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
- Clean kitchen towel
- Rolling pin (optional, for shaping dough)
- Medium skillet (for cooking meat)
- Oven mitts (because that pizza will be hot!)
Instructions
Step 1: Craft the Perfect Deep Dish Dough
The foundation of any great deep dish pizza is a sturdy yet tender crust that holds up to the mountain of toppings. This dough is simple to make and yields a golden, slightly crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior.
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (make sure it’s around 110°F/43°C—too hot, and it’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate) with 1 ½ teaspoons sugar and 1 packet active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture turns foamy and bubbly, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Create a small well in the center and pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 6-8 minutes, pushing and folding the dough until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (but not sticky). If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but don’t overdo it—too much flour can make the crust dense.
- Let It Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and roll it around to coat it lightly in oil (this prevents sticking). Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Let the dough rise for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. A cozy spot near a warm oven or in a slightly warmed (but turned-off) oven works perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat and Toppings
While the dough rises, let’s get those toppings ready. The combination of seasoned ground meat and juicy meatballs makes this pizza irresistibly savory.
- Cook the Ground Meat: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Season with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 7-10 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prep the Meatballs: If using store-bought meatballs, ensure they’re fully cooked and halved for easy layering. For homemade meatballs, combine 1 pound ground beef or pork with breadcrumbs, an egg, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, then bake or pan-fry until cooked through. Slice in half and set aside.
- Get the Cheeses Ready: Shred 2 ½ cups mozzarella if not pre-shredded (freshly shredded cheese melts better). Scoop 1 ¼ cups ricotta into a bowl for easy dolloping. Set aside for assembly.
Step 3: Assemble the Deep Dish Masterpiece
Now comes the fun part—building your pizza! Deep dish pizza is layered differently than thin-crust varieties, with cheese often going on the bottom to create a gooey base.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a rack in the middle. If using a cast-iron skillet, preheat it in the oven for 10 minutes to ensure a crispy crust.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release air. On a lightly floured surface, roll or press the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter (or slightly larger than your pan). Lightly oil your deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet, then carefully transfer the dough to the pan. Press it into the bottom and up the sides to form a thick crust. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.
- Layer the Toppings:
- Start with a generous layer of 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, spreading it evenly across the dough.
- Spoon dollops of 1 ¼ cups ricotta cheese over the mozzarella for creamy bursts in every bite.
- Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef or sausage over the cheese.
- Arrange the halved meatballs on top, nestling them into the meat layer.
- Pour 1 ½ cups marinara sauce over everything, spreading it to cover the toppings but leaving the crust edges exposed.
- Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning and garlic powder for extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized on top. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning. The aroma of baking pizza will fill your kitchen, signaling that deliciousness is near!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-7 minutes (this helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier). Use a spatula to carefully transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Slice into thick wedges and drizzle with extra marinara sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Serve this deep dish pizza with a side salad, garlic bread, or your favorite beverage for a complete meal. It’s perfect for sharing (or not—we won’t judge!).
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
- Customize It: Swap meatballs for pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie twist. You can also mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for variety.
- Crispier Crust: Brush the dough with olive oil before adding toppings for an extra-crisp edge.
- Freezing: Assemble the pizza (without baking) and freeze it for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 425°F, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This deep dish pizza is a labor of love, but every bite is worth it. The thick, buttery crust holds up to the hearty layers of cheese, seasoned meat, and tangy marinara, creating a pizza that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re a Chicago-style purist or just love a good pizza, this recipe delivers comfort food at its finest. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste, making it a go-to for family dinners, parties, or cozy nights in.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your deep dish pizza with:
- A crisp Caesar salad with homemade dressing
- Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks
- A cold craft beer or a glass of red wine
- A light dessert like lemon sorbet to balance the richness
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice, based on 8 slices)
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sodium: 900mg
Note: Values vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
