Deep-Dish Sausage and Bell Pepper Pizza

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-29 · Updated 2026-05-29

A hearty Chicago-style deep-dish pizza loaded with spicy sausage and sweet bell peppers baked in a buttery crust with a rich tomato sauce. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 130 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 650 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 cup (110°F) warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 oz, casing removed Italian sausage
• 1 medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper
• 1 medium, thinly sliced green bell pepper
• 1 small, diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 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 large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast in 1 cup warm water (110°F) and let it bloom for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
2. Step 2: While dough rises, preheat oven to 425°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 diced small yellow onion, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced green bell pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften and are fragrant; set aside.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan, combine 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
4. Step 4: Punch down the dough and press it evenly into a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan, making sure the edges come up the sides. Layer 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, then spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture on top.
5. Step 5: Pour the thickened tomato sauce over the filling, spreading gently to cover. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated 425°F oven for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.