Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza for Eight

Ingredients and Weight:

• Pizza Dough (homemade or store-bought): 2 pounds
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): 1 pound
• Sausage (Italian or breakfast): 1 pound
• Ground Beef (optional): 1 pound
• Onion (sliced): 1 large
• Green Bell Pepper (sliced): 1 large
• Mushrooms (sliced): 1 cup
• Tomato Sauce (homemade or store-bought): 2 cups
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Basil: 1 teaspoon

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 45-55 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 3 (Intermediate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle or rectangle (about 12 inches x 18 inches).
3. Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan.
4. Place the dough in the pan and press it up the sides to form a crust.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
6. Layer the sausage, ground beef (if using), onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms on top of the cheese.
7. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the vegetables.
8. Sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
9. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutritional Information:

Per slice (1/8 of pizza):

• Calories: 650
• Fat: 35 grams
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 70 grams
• Sodium: 1,200 milligrams

Dish Characteristics:

• Thick, crispy crust
• Rich, cheesy filling
• Savory meat and vegetable toppings
• Tangy tomato sauce
• Classic American comfort food

User Comments:

• "This pizza is so delicious and filling! I love the crispy crust and the generous amount of toppings."
• "The combination of the sausage, beef, and vegetables is perfect. It's like a flavor explosion in my mouth."
• "I'm not usually a big fan of deep-dish pizza, but this one is an exception. It's so well-made and satisfying."
• "This pizza is a bit more labor-intensive to make than regular pizza, but it's totally worth it. The crust is amazing!"
• "I've had this pizza at restaurants before, but making it at home is so much better. It's cheaper and I can customize it to my own tastes."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a cast iron or heavy-duty deep-dish pizza pan to ensure the crust cooks evenly.
• If the pizza crust is too thick, it may not cook through properly.
• If the pizza is not baked long enough, the cheese may not melt completely.
• Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving to prevent the toppings from sliding off.