Homemade Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Casserole Recipe
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 1 lb (450g) pre-made pizza dough (or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
- Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prep the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil.
- Press pizza dough evenly into the dish, covering the bottom and sides (about 1/4-inch thick).
- Par-bake crust for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook Toppings:
- In a skillet, brown sausage over medium heat, breaking into crumbles. Drain fat.
- Optional: Sauté onions, peppers, and mushrooms in the same skillet until tender (3-4 minutes).
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer the Casserole:
- **Layer 1:** Sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella over the par-baked crust.
- **Layer 2:** Add cooked sausage and veggies.
- **Layer 3:** Pour sauce evenly over the top.
- **Layer 4:** Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan (if using).
5. Bake:
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips:
- Use a cast-iron skillet for a crispier crust.
- Add pepperoni or spinach for variations.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a side salad.
Enjoy your hearty, deep-dish flavors in casserole form! 🍕
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