Italian Sausage and Pepper Stuffed Pizza
Italian Sausage and Pepper Stuffed Pizza
Embark on a culinary journey with this glorious Italian Sausage and Pepper Stuffed Pizza, a hearty variation that elevates the beloved deep-dish experience. This isn't just a pizza; it's a comforting casserole of robust Italian flavors, reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style stuffed pizza. Picture two generous layers of golden, flaky pizza dough encasing a rich, savory filling of crumbled Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet caramelized onions. Each bite delivers a satisfying blend of textures—the perfect crunch of the crust giving way to the tender, flavorful interior. While a rich tomato marinara sauce is often nestled within, some prefer it served alongside for dipping, allowing the diverse flavors of the filling to truly shine. This Stuffed Pizza is a brilliant centerpiece for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings, offering a substantial meal that perfectly balances Italian-American comfort food with gourmet appeal. The surprise of a thick, pizza pie-like interior, brimming with cheese and savory goodness, makes every slice a discovery. Pair it with a crisp, simple green salad to cut through the richness and complete your hearty Italian feast. This recipe celebrates the art of creating Italian-style baked dishes, ensuring a comforting and unforgettable dining experience.
- Preparation time
- 30 min
- Cooking time
- 45 min
- Total time
- 1 hr 15 min
- Servings
- 8
Instructions
Preparation
- 1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9 or 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet.
- 2In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
- 3In the same skillet, add olive oil. Sauté the sliced bell peppers and onions for 8-10 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4Combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, 1 cup of marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Mix well.
Assembly and Baking
- 1On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to the prepared deep-dish pan, pressing it up the sides to form a crust.
- 2Spoon the sausage and pepper filling evenly into the dough-lined pan, pressing it down gently.
- 3Roll out the second portion of pizza dough into a 9-inch circle. Place it over the filling, creating the top crust. Trim any excess dough from the edges, then crimp the top and bottom crusts together to seal them.
- 4Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. You can brush the top with a little olive oil for a golden finish, if desired.
- 5Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
- 6Remove the stuffed pizza from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the internal filling to set.
Serving
- 1Serve hot, with the remaining 0.5 cup of marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 650 kcal
- Protein
- 35 g
- Fat
- 38 g
- Carbs
- 45 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
Tips
- Use cold dough for easier handling; it will be less sticky when rolling and fitting into the pan.
- Pre-cooking the sausage and vegetables helps remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy pizza interior.
- Allow the pizza to rest after baking to help the filling set, making for cleaner slices.