Loaded Deep-Dish Pizza

Ingredients

• shredded mozzarella cheese — 226 g
• shredded Parmesan cheese — 50 g
• pepperoni slices — 25 pcs
• sliced mushrooms (optional) — 0.5 cup
• diced green peppers (optional) — 0.25 cup

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Grease a 9-inch deep cake pan or cast-iron skillet.
3. Press the risen dough into the pan so it covers the bottom and is pressed up the sides to form a tall crust.
4. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough.
5. Spread the seasoned beef filling over the cheese, then scatter the sliced mushrooms and diced green peppers over the beef if using.
6. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the shredded Parmesan.
7. Spoon the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the cheese layer, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
8. Bake at 220°C for 30–40 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
9. Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Dough

• all-purpose or pizza flour — 405 g
• instant yeast — 2.25 tsp
• sugar — 1 tsp
• salt — 1 tsp
• warm water — 300 ml
• olive oil — 2 tbsp
• melted butter — 2 tbsp

1. Combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add the warm water, olive oil, and melted butter, then mix and knead until a smooth dough forms, about 8–10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until roughly doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Seasoned Beef Filling

• ground beef — 454 g
• Italian seasoning — 1 tsp
• garlic powder — 1 tsp
• onion powder — 0.5 tsp
• salt
• black pepper

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains.
2. Drain any excess grease from the pan, then return the beef to the heat and stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Pizza Sauce

• pizza sauce or marinara — 480 ml
• Italian seasoning — 1 tsp
• garlic powder — 0.5 tsp

1. Combine the pizza sauce with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a bowl and stir until evenly seasoned.