Deep-Dish Sausage and Spinach Pizza Bake

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-29 · Updated 2026-05-29

A hearty Chicago-style deep-dish pizza baked with Italian sausage and fresh spinach layered under a rich tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 60 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 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

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup (110°F) warm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 oz, casing removed Italian sausage
• 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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 mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup warm water (110°F), 1 packet active dry yeast, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar; stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Add 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil to the yeast mixture; stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: While dough rises, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 4 cups chopped fresh spinach to the sausage; sauté for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and garlic is fragrant; remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 425°F. Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch deep-dish pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, then layer the sausage and spinach mixture on top.
8. Step 8: Pour 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes mixed with 1 tsp Italian seasoning over the filling, spreading gently.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned; let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.