Deep-Dish Superior Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mushrooms

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty deep-dish pizza loaded with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese inspired by local Upper Peninsula favorites. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 45 minutes pairs store-bought or homemade pizza dough, casings removed Italian sausage, sliced cremini mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, 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: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough to fit the pan, pressing it evenly onto bottom and sides.
  3. Step 3: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 8 oz Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté with sausage for 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are softened.
  5. Step 5: Spread 1 cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough in the pan. Sprinkle half of 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Evenly distribute the sausage and mushroom mixture over the cheese layer.
  7. Step 7: Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using).
  8. Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  9. Step 9: Remove from oven and scatter 6 torn fresh basil leaves on top before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Dish Superior Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Superior Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mushrooms?

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 sliced cremini mushrooms from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish Superior Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mushrooms?

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 Superior Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mushrooms for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Superior Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mushrooms?

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.

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