Deep-Dish Sausage and Pepperoni Chicago-Style Pizza

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-22 · Updated 2026-05-22

A hearty Chicago deep-dish pizza layered with spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a robust tomato sauce baked to golden perfection. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 70 minutes, pairs all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 active dry yeast
• 1 cup, 110°F warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 8 oz Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes, canned
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves

The pizza stone or steel we’d bake this on → Best Pizza Stones and Steels for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp 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. Add the yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil, stirring until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook 8 oz Italian sausage over medium heat in a skillet, breaking it into crumbles until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and simmer on low for 15 minutes until thickened.
6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 425°F. Punch down dough and press it into a well-oiled 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan, pulling dough slightly up the sides.
7. Step 7: Layer the crust with 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, then spread the cooked sausage evenly, followed by 1 cup pepperoni slices.
8. Step 8: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the toppings and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Step 9: Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven and scatter 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil over the top before slicing and serving.