This Deep Dish Cheesy Beef Pizza features a thick golden crust filled with savory seasoned ground beef, plenty of gooey mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce layered over the top in classic deep-dish style. Hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold pizza flavor, it is perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, game nights, or anytime you want a filling restaurant-style pizza at home.
Why You’ll Love It
- Thick buttery crust with a hearty beef and cheese filling
- Gooey mozzarella creates an irresistible cheesy center
- Rich tomato sauce adds bold classic pizza flavor
- Perfect for family dinners, parties, or weekend comfort food
Ingredients Overview
Pizza Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cheese Layer
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Let sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, olive oil, and melted butter.
Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until browned.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for another minute, then remove from the heat and drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, until the sauce becomes rich and slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Deep Dish Pizza
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Grease a deep 10-inch or 12-inch round baking pan or cast-iron skillet.
Roll the dough into a large circle and carefully press it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Add mozzarella and provolone directly over the crust.
Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the cheese.
Spoon the tomato sauce generously over the beef.
Finish with grated Parmesan.
5. Bake
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and cooked through.
The sauce should be bubbling and the cheese underneath should be completely melted.
If the crust edges brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil.
6. Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Cut into thick wedges and serve warm.
Cooking Tips
- Let the pizza rest before slicing so the cheese and beef layers stay together.
- Drain excess grease from the ground beef to keep the filling from becoming oily.
- Place the cheese directly on the crust to help protect it from the tomato sauce.
- Use whole-milk mozzarella for the best stretchy cheese texture.
- Simmer the tomato sauce until thick so the pizza does not become watery.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this deep dish cheesy beef pizza with:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh green salad
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Storage
Store leftover deep dish pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until the crust is crisp and the filling is hot. An air fryer also works well for individual slices.
Leftover Ideas
- Cut leftover pizza into smaller pieces and serve as party bites.
- Reheat slices and top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Chop leftovers and turn them into a cheesy pizza casserole.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes. Store-bought pizza dough works well and makes this recipe much quicker.
Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
Yes. Italian sausage works beautifully, or you can use half sausage and half beef.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the beef and tomato sauce ahead, then assemble and bake when ready.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes. Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or jalapeños can all be added.
Final Thoughts
Deep Dish Cheesy Beef Pizza combines a thick golden crust, savory ground beef, layers of melted cheese, and rich tomato sauce in one hearty and satisfying meal. Comforting, filling, and perfect for sharing, it is an excellent choice for pizza night, weekend gatherings, or whenever you want a homemade dinner that feels extra indulgent.
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