Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza 🧀🍅🍕
Deep crust. Bold filling. Ultimate satisfaction.
This isn’t your average pizza night. If you’ve never had real Chicago-style deep dish pizza before, get ready for a hearty, cheesy, flavor-packed experience. With a buttery cornmeal crust, layers of melty mozzarella, and a thick, savory tomato beef sauce, this pie is as indulgent as it gets—and 100% worth it.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden crust with just the right bite from cornmeal
- Cheese on the bottom—so it melts into the crust and doesn’t burn
- Thick, herbed tomato beef sauce that’s savory and rich
- Feels like a pizza and a casserole—it’s the best of both worlds
This pizza is a meal, a celebration, and a serious comfort food fix.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, and olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled.
2. Cook the Beef Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add ground beef.
Once browned, stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken.
3. Assemble the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roll the dough out and press it into a deep dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet, going up the sides.
Layer in this order:
- Mozzarella cheese (first!)
- Beef tomato sauce
- Sprinkle with Parmesan
4. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing—it’ll hold together better.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the cornmeal—it’s key for the buttery, authentic texture.
- Put the cheese on the bottom to protect it from overbaking under the sauce.
- A cast iron skillet is ideal if you don’t have a deep dish pizza pan.
- Letting it cool slightly before slicing helps the layers stay neat.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
A pizza this epic deserves sides that can keep up. Pair with:
- Beer Cheese Dip and breadsticks
- Totchos for the ultimate game-day mashup
- Dorito Casserole as a zesty side
- Cheesy Chicken Sliders to stretch the spread for a crowd
- Finish with something sweet like a classic brownie or cookie bar
More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Chicken Enchiladas
- This Beer Cheese Dip
- This Dorito Casserole
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders
- Totchos
Final Thoughts
This Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is a full-on experience. With its flaky golden crust, molten cheese center, and rich tomato meat sauce, it’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture.
Make it for your next Friday night in, game day gathering, or when you’re ready to turn your kitchen into a Windy City pizzeria. Don’t forget to tag @ChefManiac—we’d love to see your deep dish masterpiece! 🍕💥
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