Crisped Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage and Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-25 · Updated 2026-05-25

A thick, golden crust baked with spicy Italian sausage, roasted bell peppers, and melted mozzarella for a hearty Chicago-style pizza experience. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 60 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 600 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.

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (110°F) warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 12 oz Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornmeal, and 1 tsp salt. Add yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil, stir to form dough.
3. Step 3: Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour until doubled.
4. Step 4: While dough rises, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 6-7 minutes until browned. Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 large sliced green bell pepper, 1 medium sliced yellow onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened and edges caramelized. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Stir 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp black pepper into sausage mixture. Set aside.
6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 425°F. Oil a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet. Press dough evenly into bottom and up sides of pan.
7. Step 7: Layer 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over dough, then spoon sausage and pepper mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan over all.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden brown, cheese is bubbly, and edges are crisp. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving.