Deep Dish Italian Pie
A hearty deep dish Italian pie featuring savory sausage, melted mozzarella, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying family dinners or gatherings with bold Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 9-inch deep dish frozen pie crust shells
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 can (4 oz) mushroom stems and pieces, drained ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, divided ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Pop out the frozen pie crust from the foil pan and place right side up on waxed paper to thaw for approximately 15 minutes.
- Set aside the second pie crust.
- In a skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned.
- Add chopped green pepper and drained mushroom pieces; cook until vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, crushed oregano, and a portion of the tomato sauce.
- Combine the cooked sausage mixture with the cornstarch mixture and remaining tomato sauce.
- Layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese in the bottom of one pie crust shell.
- Pour the sausage and sauce mixture over the cheese, then top with Parmesan cheese.
- Add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the filling.
- Cover with the second pie crust or leave open if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of ground Italian sausage. You can also substitute the mozzarella cheese with part-skim mozzarella to reduce calories. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you some prep work. Remember, the key to a great deep dish pie is ensuring the filling is not too watery, so drain the mushrooms well.
Serving Suggestions
This Deep Dish Italian Pie is perfect as a hearty main dish and pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a casual gathering, cut it into smaller slices and serve alongside a platter of antipasto for a delightful starter. It's also great for game day, making it a fantastic alternative to the traditional Sports Sunday Sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crust's crispiness compared to microwaving, which can make it soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep Dish Italian Pie contains roughly 662 calories, with 21g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Just assemble the pie and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese you choose melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the filling.
What can I serve with the Deep Dish Italian Pie?
Consider pairing this dish with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside Baked Spaghetti With Sausage to complement the Italian flavors. A glass of red wine would also enhance the dining experience.
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).