Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza Pie

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 35–40 mins

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Ingredients:

For the Crust:
• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

For the Filling:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup pizza sauce (divided)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional for extra flavor)

For the Topping:
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (from above)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Pepperoni slices
• Sliced jalapeños or mushrooms (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the Filling:
   • In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until meat is browned and veggies are soft.
   • Drain excess fat.
   • Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and about 1/2 cup pizza sauce.
   • Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Crust:
   • Grease a deep cake pan or cast iron skillet.
   • Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle and press it into the pan, letting it come up the sides like a pie crust.
4. Assemble the Pizza Pie:
   • Layer half of the shredded mozzarella on the bottom.
   • Add the beef mixture and gently press it down.
   • Top with cheddar (if using) and the rest of the mozzarella.
   • Spoon the remaining pizza sauce over the top.
   • Finish with pepperoni slices and any other toppings.
5. Bake:
   • Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this helps it hold together like a pie.