Deep-Dish Sausage and Spinach Pizza with Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-22 · Updated 2026-05-22

A hearty deep-dish pizza loaded with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, melty mozzarella, and a rich homemade tomato sauce baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 60 minutes blends all-purpose flour, packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
• 2 tbsp, plus extra for pan olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 oz, casing removed Italian sausage
• 3 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Sprinkle 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast over 3/4 cup warm water (110°F) and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil to flour and stir until a dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
3. Step 3: While dough rises, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it up until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 10-inch deep-dish or cast iron skillet. Press risen dough into the pan, pushing up the sides to form a thick crust.
5. Step 5: Layer 2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, then scatter 3 cups chopped fresh spinach and the cooked sausage mixture over the cheese.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.