Deep-Dish Style Chicago Sausage Pizza

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty deep-dish pizza featuring savory Italian sausage, melted mozzarella, and a thick, buttery crust inspired by Chicago’s iconic style. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 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 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 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Step 3: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz Italian sausage (casings removed) and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up sausage with a spoon, until browned and fragrant. Stir in 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 425°F. Punch down dough and press into a deep 9-inch round pan, building up a 1-inch crust on the sides.
  6. Step 6: Layer 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on the dough, then spoon the sausage-tomato sauce over the cheese.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbly.
  8. Step 8: Let pizza cool 5 minutes before slicing to allow sauce to set.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Dish Style Chicago Sausage Pizza 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 Style Chicago Sausage Pizza?

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 Style Chicago Sausage Pizza?

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 Style Chicago Sausage Pizza 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 Style Chicago Sausage Pizza?

American 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.

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