Spiced Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza with Italian Sausage

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-08 · Updated 2026-06-08

A hearty deep dish pizza loaded with crumbled Italian sausage, mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce baked in a buttery crust for a filling Chicago favorite. This American-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 115 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 680 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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (110°F) warm water
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped

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 1 packet active dry yeast in 1 cup warm water (110°F) and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
2. Step 2: While dough rises, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 1 lb Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and simmer for 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil.
4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. Press the dough into a well-oiled 12-inch deep dish pan, pushing it up the sides about 2 inches.
5. Step 5: Layer half of the 3 cups shredded mozzarella on the dough, then spread cooked sausage evenly over cheese. Pour the tomato sauce on top, spreading gently. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the sauce.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbles. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.