"Chicago Style" Pizza
A hearty Chicago-style pizza with savory beef, rich tomato flavors, and melty mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold, comforting tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (10 biscuit) can refrigerator buttermilk or country-style biscuits
- 1 (No. 202) can (1/4 cup) mushroom stems and pieces, drained ⓘ
- 1 tomato, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9-inch pie pan.
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer while preparing the crust.
- Prepare the biscuit dough and press it into the greased pie pan to form a crust.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture over the crust.
- Top with sliced tomato, shredded mozzarella, and drained mushroom stems and pieces.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese and oregano on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using Italian sausage instead of ground beef for added flavor. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. If you prefer a lighter crust, try using whole wheat biscuits. Remember to drain the mushrooms well to prevent excess moisture in the pizza. This dish is a great way to incorporate leftover meat from other meals, making it a versatile choice for busy nights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicago Style Pizza hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of Beef-Macaroni-Cheese for a hearty dinner that everyone will love. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. This ensures the crust stays crisp while the toppings retain their flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Chicago Style" Pizza contains roughly 237 calories, with 14g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2057mg per serving (89% 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 make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the biscuit crust ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions to form the crust, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before adding the filling and baking. This can save you time on busy days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious pizza with minimal preparation.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use Italian sausage for a spicier flavor. For a vegetarian version, consider using a mix of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. These substitutions will add different textures and flavors to the dish while keeping it satisfying.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to drain any canned ingredients, like the mushrooms, thoroughly. Pre-baking the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling can also help it set up and remain crisp. Additionally, avoid overloading the pizza with sauce or moisture-rich toppings to maintain the integrity of the crust.
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).