Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza
A hearty, cheesy deep-dish pizza with savory meat, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for family dinners or gatherings that love bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 to 1 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 6 oz can pizza sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 to 1.5 teaspoons oregano or Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 can (10 biscuits) buttermilk biscuits ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- pepperoni (optional) ⓘ
- green pepper (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease a 9-inch pie pan.
- Brown the ground meat and chopped onion in a skillet; drain off excess grease.
- Stir in pizza sauce, Parmesan cheese, oregano or Italian seasoning, and pepper; simmer.
- Arrange the biscuits in the prepared pie pan, pressing over the bottom and sides to form a crust.
- Parbake the crust for 10 minutes.
- Spoon the meat mixture onto the crust.
- Add mushrooms, green peppers, and pepperoni if desired.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier filling, consider adding bell peppers or substituting ground beef with Italian sausage. You can also use store-bought pizza sauce for convenience. If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the meat and load up on veggies like spinach or zucchini. Adjust seasoning to your taste, and remember that parbaking the crust ensures it doesn't get soggy. This dish is a comforting classic that highlights American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza with a side salad for a balanced meal. A classic Caesar or a fresh garden salad pairs beautifully with this rich dish. You might also enjoy it alongside garlic bread or a light soup. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with iced tea or a light beer to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the pizza cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza contains roughly 453 calories, with 29g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (88% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 496mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese for this pizza?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or cheddar for a unique flavor. Just ensure that the cheese you choose melts well. Mixing mozzarella with a sharper cheese can also enhance the taste.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute regular biscuits with gluten-free biscuit dough or a gluten-free pizza crust. Ensure all other ingredients, including sauces and seasonings, are gluten-free to maintain safety and flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).