Deep-Dish Pizza

A savory homemade sauce tops this easy deep-dish pizza, topped with melty cheese and Italian sausage.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 851 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 6 slices mozzarella cheese
• 6 ounces bulk Italian sausage
• 1 ½ (16 ounce) packages refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic; cook, being careful not to burn, about 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red pepper. Bring just to a boil, watching carefully. Reduce heat to low. Add oregano, sugar, and black pepper. Cook, stirring, about 3 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Rub 1 teaspoon olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet.

Step 3

Press pizza dough into the greased skillet, leaving an edge to contain all toppings.

Step 4

Arrange mozzarella cheese on the dough. Top with sausage, pressing it flat with wet hands over cheese. Spoon 1 cup sauce over sausage, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Brush crust edge with half of the melted butter.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Brush crust with remaining half of butter. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then cut into 8 slices.