Deep-Dish Pizza with Sausage and Caramelized Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-20 · Updated 2026-05-20

A hearty Chicago-style deep-dish pizza featuring a buttery crust loaded with spicy sausage, sweet caramelized onions, and melted mozzarella. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 120 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 570 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 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup (110°F) warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 oz Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 medium, thinly sliced yellow onion
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (110°F), 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy to proof the yeast.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: While the dough rises, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced 1 medium yellow onion and cook over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Punch down the dough and press it into a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly.
7. Step 7: Spread 2 cups crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Add the cooked sausage and caramelized onions evenly over the sauce.
8. Step 8: Generously top with 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
9. Step 9: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.