Charred Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage and Bell Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-09 · Updated 2026-05-09

An oven-baked deep dish pizza featuring caramelized sausage, roasted bell peppers, and a crunchy golden crust inspired by Chicago’s famed pizza scene. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (110°F) warm water
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 oz, casing removed Italian sausage
• 1 cup total, thinly sliced green and red bell peppers
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups crushed canned tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Make a well and pour in the yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil. Stir to form a dough.
3. Step 3: Knead dough on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage and cook for 5 minutes, breaking up until browned and crisp.
5. Step 5: Add 1 cup thinly sliced green and red bell peppers to the sausage and sauté for 4 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
6. Step 6: Roll out dough to fit a 12-inch deep dish pizza pan, pressing dough up the sides to create a 2-inch edge.
7. Step 7: Layer 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough base.
8. Step 8: Spoon the cooked sausage and pepper mixture evenly atop the cheese.
9. Step 9: Spread 1 1/2 cups crushed canned tomatoes seasoned with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp dried oregano over the toppings.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
11. Step 11: Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
12. Step 12: Let cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving.