1. Make the dough
Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, cornmeal, salt, olive oil, and melted butter. Knead for 5–8 minutes, until a smooth dough forms.
Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
2. Prepare the sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the toppings
Cook the sausage or ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Prepare the mushrooms, peppers, and onion.
4. Shape the crust
Generously butter a deep 10-inch round pizza pan or cast-iron skillet.
Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, creating a deep crust.
5. Build the pizza
Unlike a traditional thin pizza, deep-dish pizza is layered differently:
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cooked sausage or beef
- Mushrooms, peppers, and onions
- Tomato sauce
- Parmesan cheese on top
6. Bake
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bake for approximately 30–40 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling.
If the crust browns too quickly, loosely cover the edges with foil.
7. Rest before slicing
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the layers set so the slices hold together.
🍕 Serving Tip
Run a knife around the edge before carefully removing slices. Serve hot with extra Parmesan, crushed red pepper, or dried oregano.
Cheesy, saucy, and seriously satisfying! 😍🍕
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