Chicago-Style Deep Dish Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Chicago deep-dish pizza layered with spicy sausage, fresh mozzarella, and chunky tomato sauce baked in a buttery crust. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 115 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, packet (2 1/4 tsp) 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 80 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 3/4 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Mix until dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 12 oz Italian sausage (removed from casing) for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Roll out dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a well-buttered 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan, pressing dough up the sides to form a thick crust.
  5. Step 5: Layer 3 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough. Spoon cooked sausage over the cheese.
  6. Step 6: In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Spread this chunky sauce evenly over the sausage.
  7. Step 7: Dot the top with 3 tbsp melted butter for a golden crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is deep golden and cheese is bubbly.
  8. Step 8: Let pizza cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicago-Style Deep Dish Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (80 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicago-Style Deep Dish Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicago-Style Deep Dish Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicago-Style Deep Dish Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chicago-Style Deep Dish Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza?

American pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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