Deep-Dish Sausage and Spinach Pizza

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-18 · Updated 2026-05-18

A hearty Chicago-inspired deep-dish pizza loaded with spicy sausage and fresh spinach, baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 60 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 480 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
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 oz Italian sausage, casing removed
• 3 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large 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 frothy.
2. Step 2: Add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir and knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the sausage and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Stir in 2 cups crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
7. Step 7: Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle and press it into a deep 10-inch cast iron or deep-dish pan, allowing edges to rise about 1 inch.
8. Step 8: Layer 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, then add the cooked sausage mixture, and top with 3 cups chopped fresh spinach.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.