Loaded Meat Lover’s Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage and Bacon

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

A hearty deep dish pizza packed with Italian sausage, crispy bacon, pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 115 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, 110°F warm water, active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 85 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 cup warm water (110°F), 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar in a bowl. Stir gently and let foam for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Add yeast mixture and 3 tbsp olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Knead dough on floured surface for 10 minutes until elastic and smooth. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 8 oz Italian sausage, breaking into crumbles, for 5 minutes until browned. Add 4 chopped bacon slices and cook 3 minutes until crisp. Drain fat.
  5. Step 5: Punch down dough and press into a well-oiled 12-inch deep dish pan, pushing dough up sides.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1 1/4 cups tomato sauce evenly over dough. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Step 7: Evenly distribute cooked sausage, bacon, and 15 slices pepperoni over cheese. Sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and browned. Cool 5 minutes before slicing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Loaded Meat Lover’s Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage and Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (85 min prep + 30 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 Loaded Meat Lover’s Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage and Bacon?

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 Loaded Meat Lover’s Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage and Bacon?

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 Loaded Meat Lover’s Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage and Bacon 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 Loaded Meat Lover’s Deep Dish Pizza with Sausage and Bacon?

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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