Deep-Dish Style Chicago Pizza with Sausage and Mozzarella

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-18 · Updated 2026-05-18

A thick, hearty Chicago-style deep-dish pizza loaded with spicy Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce baked to golden perfection. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 65 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 600 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 tsp salt
• 12 oz Italian sausage, casing removed
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 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 large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast in 1 cup warm water (110°F), let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil; mix until dough forms.
2. Step 2: Knead dough on a floured surface for 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F. Press the dough into a well-oiled 12-inch deep-dish pan, pushing dough up the sides to form a crust.
4. Step 4: Brown 12 oz Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking into small pieces, cook for 6-7 minutes until fully cooked and browned; drain excess fat.
5. Step 5: Spread 3 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough. Top with cooked sausage.
6. Step 6: In a bowl, combine 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; stir well.
7. Step 7: Spoon tomato sauce evenly over the sausage layer, then sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden brown and sauce is bubbling. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.