Name: Spicy Italian Beef Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian-inspired cuisine
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough (for deep dish pizza); 1.5 lb thinly sliced italian beef (cooked, often found in deli section or pre-packaged); 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned); 4 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste, for spice); 2 tbsp olive oil; 8 oz provolone cheese (sliced or shredded); 8 oz mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, shredded); 0.5 cup giardiniera (drained, mild or hot according to preference); 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated, for sprinkling); salt (to taste; null); black pepper (to taste; null)

A hearty Chicago deep dish pizza with a thick, golden crust overflowing with savory Italian beef, melted mozzarella cheese, and a chunky tomato sauce, artfully garnished with fresh basil.

Experience the ultimate Chicago deep dish pizza with a fiery twist. This recipe features a signature thick, buttery deep dish crust, generously filled with tender, thinly sliced Italian beef, slow-simmered in a robust, spicy tomato sauce. Layers of gooey provolone and mozzarella cheeses are perfectly melted throughout, while a vibrant giardiniera topping provides a delightful tangy crunch and a burst of extra heat. It's a truly satisfying and adventurous pizza, blending the comforting richness of deep dish with the bold, zesty flavors of a classic Chicago Italian beef sandwich, ideal for those who crave an unforgettable, spicy pie.

Preparation time: 40 min
Cooking time: 45 min
Total time: 1 hr 25 min
Servings: 8

Instructions

Prepare the Italian Beef Filling

1In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
3Add the thinly sliced Italian beef to the simmering sauce, ensuring it is fully coated. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the beef is heated through and tender. Set aside.

Assemble the Deep Dish Pizza

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch deep dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet with olive oil or butter.
2Roll out the pizza dough to about a 12-inch circle. Carefully press the dough into the prepared pan, extending it up the sides to create a high crust.
3Layer half of the provolone cheese slices or shredded provolone directly onto the dough at the bottom of the pan.
4Spread half of the cooked spicy Italian beef and sauce mixture over the provolone layer.
5Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the giardiniera.
6Repeat with the remaining provolone, Italian beef mixture, mozzarella, and giardiniera. Ensure the filling is pressed down evenly.
7Fold the excess dough from the edges over the filling, creating a classic deep dish rim. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

Bake the Pizza

1Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. If the crust browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
2Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheeses and sauce to set, preventing a messy slice.

Instructions

Prepare the Italian Beef Filling

1In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
3Add the thinly sliced Italian beef to the simmering sauce, ensuring it is fully coated. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the beef is heated through and tender. Set aside.

Assemble the Deep Dish Pizza

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch deep dish pizza pan or cast iron skillet with olive oil or butter.
2Roll out the pizza dough to about a 12-inch circle. Carefully press the dough into the prepared pan, extending it up the sides to create a high crust.
3Layer half of the provolone cheese slices or shredded provolone directly onto the dough at the bottom of the pan.
4Spread half of the cooked spicy Italian beef and sauce mixture over the provolone layer.
5Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the giardiniera.
6Repeat with the remaining provolone, Italian beef mixture, mozzarella, and giardiniera. Ensure the filling is pressed down evenly.
7Fold the excess dough from the edges over the filling, creating a classic deep dish rim. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

Bake the Pizza

1Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. If the crust browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
2Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheeses and sauce to set, preventing a messy slice.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 750 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 45 g
Carbs: 50 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	750 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	45 g
Carbs	50 g

Tips

Use a good quality deep dish pizza crust dough, or make your own for the best texture and flavor.
Don't overfill the pizza to prevent spillage in the oven; ensure the crust edges are firmly sealed.
Allowing the pizza to rest helps the cheese solidify slightly, making slicing much cleaner and easier.