Deep-Dish Style Chicago-Influenced Sausage and Peppers Pizza

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-29 · Updated 2026-05-29

A hearty deep-dish pizza inspired by Chicago’s iconic style, featuring spicy Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce baked under a thick layer of mozzarella cheese. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 125 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (one 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 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 (one packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (110°F) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 oz, casings removed Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips red bell pepper
• 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips green bell pepper
• 1 small, thinly sliced yellow onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (110°F) with 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp salt. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy and activated.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add 3 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tbsp olive oil, then pour in the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: While dough rises, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the 12 oz Italian sausage (removed from casings). Break it up with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, and 1 thinly sliced small yellow onion for 5 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Stir in 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
7. Step 7: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet.
8. Step 8: Punch down the risen dough and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form a thick crust.
9. Step 9: Spread half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups) over the dough, then layer the cooked sausage and sautéed peppers and onions evenly on top.
10. Step 10: Pour the thickened tomato sauce over the toppings, then sprinkle the remaining 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
11. Step 11: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
12. Step 12: Let pizza cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.