Description
Deep Dish Meat Pizza
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet instant yeast
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup warm milk
1 cup pizza sauce
1 lb minced beef
1 cup mozzarella cheese
Chili flakes for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the dough with flour, yeast, olive oil, and milk; allow to rise.
Cook minced beef and season with salt and pepper.
Spread dough into a greased pan, add sauce, beef, and cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes and sprinkle chili flakes on top.
#SpicyDeepDish
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk (ensure it’s not hot, or it will kill the yeast) with the packet of instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the Dough: Add the flour, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, cook the minced beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and season generously with salt and black pepper.
5. Assemble: Punch down the risen dough and press it into a well-greased 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet, pushing the dough up the sides to form a thick crust. Spread the pizza sauce evenly, followed by the cooked beef and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake: Bake in your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Final Touch: Remove from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chili flakes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pizza is a meal in itself, but it pairs perfectly with a crisp, green side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true Chicago-style experience, serve it with a chilled soft drink or a robust red wine like Chianti. Leftovers (if any!) reheat wonderfully in the oven for a quick lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
To make Deep Dish Meat Pizza: Activate yeast in warm milk, mix with flour and oil to form a dough, and let it rise. Brown and season minced beef. Press the risen dough into a greased deep-dish pan, layer with sauce, beef, and cheese, then bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Garnish with chili flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant? Yes. You will need to activate it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar for about 10 minutes before adding the flour.
What can I use instead of minced beef? Ground Italian sausage, turkey, or a plant-based meat alternative are excellent substitutes that work well with the deep-dish format.
Why is my crust dense and not fluffy? This is often due to over-kneading the dough or not allowing it to rise fully in a warm enough environment. Ensure your milk is just warm to the touch, not hot.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and cooked beef a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready.
Do I need a special pan? A deep-dish pizza pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is ideal. A standard cake pan can work in a pinch, but the results may vary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot milk or water, which will kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- Not greasing the pan thoroughly, leading to a stuck crust.
- Overloading the pizza with wet toppings, which can make the bottom crust soggy. Pre-cooking the beef is crucial.
- Skipping the 5-minute rest after baking; this allows the cheese to set slightly for cleaner slices.
- Baking at the wrong temperature. An oven that’s too cool will yield a pale, undercooked crust.
Conclusion
Mastering this Deep Dish Meat Pizza brings the iconic, satisfying experience of a Chicago-style pie to your kitchen. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and using quality ingredients, you’ll create a spectacularly hearty pizza with a perfect buttery crust, rich sauce, and savory meat filling. It’s a rewarding project perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special family dinner. Don’t forget the final flourish of chili flakes for that signature #SpicyDeepDish kick!
