Deep-Dish Sausage and Spinach Pizza Bake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed 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 ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, packet (2 1/4 tsp) 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving

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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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Step 7: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, then layer the sausage and spinach mixture on top.
Step 8: Pour 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes mixed with 1 tsp Italian seasoning over the filling, spreading gently.
Step 9: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
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.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Dish Sausage and Spinach Pizza Bake take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Deep-Dish Sausage and Spinach Pizza Bake?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish Sausage and Spinach Pizza Bake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Deep-Dish Sausage and Spinach Pizza Bake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Deep-Dish Sausage and Spinach Pizza Bake?

Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.