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

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) 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.

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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