Wood-Fired Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-12 · Updated 2026-05-12

A hearty Chicago-style deep dish pizza with a buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and layers of mozzarella and Italian sausage. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 60 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 600 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 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (110°F) warm water
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 8 oz Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1/2 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 cup warm water (110°F) and 1/4 cup olive oil, stirring until dough forms. Knead on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil, 8 oz Italian sausage (break into small pieces), 1/2 medium sliced sweet onion, and 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sausage is browned and vegetables are softened, about 7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups crushed San Marzano tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp dried basil. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
4. Step 4: Punch down dough and press into a 12-inch deep dish pizza pan, making sure to press the dough up the sides about 1 inch.
5. Step 5: Layer the pizza starting with 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly spread over the dough, then spoon the sausage and vegetable tomato sauce over the cheese.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the toppings to set.