Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie Recipe

The Golden Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie Recipe Everyone Adores

Pizza lovers find deep dish pizza pot pie a culinary adventure that defies traditional expectations.

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty dish that combines flaky crust with robust fillings.

Layers of melted cheese, savory meats, and rich tomato sauce create a mouthwatering experience.

Chicago-style inspiration meets innovative cooking techniques in this unexpected meal.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this delightful fusion of classic flavors.

Crispy edges and molten center promise a delectable journey for anyone seeking something extraordinary.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start cooking right now to experience this incredible recipe.

Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie Is Comfort Food to the Core

  • Quick and Comforting Meal Solution: Combines two crowd-pleasing dishes into one epic dinner that satisfies multiple cravings simultaneously.
  • Minimal Prep Powerhouse: Takes less than an hour from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknight cooking with straightforward ingredients and simple techniques.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Blends kid-approved elements like pasta, cheese, and sausage with bold taco and pizza seasonings that appeal to all age groups.
  • Versatile Entertaining Option: Works brilliantly for casual family dinners, game night gatherings, or potluck events where hearty, shareable meals are appreciated.

Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie Mix

Main Ingredients:

Meat Ingredients:
  • Italian Sausage: Rich protein base with robust flavor for the pot pie filling.
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein component for the pasta dish.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a stretchy texture in the pot pie.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to enhance the pot pie's depth.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, creamy sauce for the pasta.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp tangy flavor for the pasta sauce.
Produce Ingredients:
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic base to the pot pie filling.
  • Bell Pepper: Introduces color and fresh vegetable texture to the filling.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor for the pasta.
Base and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Pizza Dough: Foundation for creating the pot pie's delicious crust.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Primary sauce component for rich, deep flavor.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrates and thickens the tomato sauce.
  • Salsa: Adds zesty flavor to the pasta sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Helps create smooth, liquid consistency for pasta sauce.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Taco Seasoning: Spice blend for creating Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Basil: Herbal note for traditional Italian-style seasoning.
  • Oregano: Classic herb that complements tomato-based dishes.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides background aromatic warmth.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavors.
Creamy Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness to the pasta sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Used for greasing the cooking pan.

Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie Prep Method

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add:
  • Chopped onion
  • Bell pepper

Cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Create Robust Sauce

Stir into the skillet:
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato paste
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and develops rich flavors.

Step 3: Prepare Pizza Canvas

Grease a deep-dish pie pan with olive oil.

Carefully roll out pizza dough and line the pan, allowing edges to drape over sides.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Filling

Pour sausage and tomato mixture into pizza dough-lined pan.

Spread evenly across the surface.

Sprinkle generously with:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Seal and Bake

Fold overhanging pizza dough edges over filling, crimping to create a sealed pie.

Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes until crust turns golden and cheese becomes beautifully bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow pizza pot pie to cool slightly before slicing.

Serve hot and savor every delicious bite.

Pizza Pot Pie Tips for Deep Dish Lovers

  • Choose high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan for maximum flavor and melting consistency in your deep dish pizza pot pie.
  • Drain ground beef and sausage thoroughly to prevent excess grease and maintain a rich, balanced sauce texture.
  • Adjust taco seasoning and herbs to suit personal taste preferences, allowing flexibility in flavor intensity.
  • Pre-bake pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding filling to ensure a crispy, golden bottom crust that doesn't become wet.
  • Add a splash of reserved pasta water while mixing cream cheese sauce to create smoother, more cohesive consistency.

Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie Storage Tips

  • Store leftover deep-dish pizza pot pie and taco cream cheese pasta in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Allow dishes to cool completely before sealing containers to maintain quality and prevent condensation.
  • Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they are tightly covered to preserve flavor and prevent odor absorption.
  • Warm pizza pot pie in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent crust from burning. Microwave pasta for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Savory Add-Ons for Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie

Savor Perfect Flavor Combinations

  • Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Choose a robust, medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the pizza pot pie and cuts through the creamy pasta.
  • Enhance with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy dishes and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty meal.
  • Serve with Cool Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that matches the spicy taco seasoning and stands up to the robust sausage and tomato filling, creating a harmonious taste experience.
  • Add Cooling Side Condiment: Prepare a herbed sour cream or cilantro-lime crema to drizzle over the dishes, which will provide a bright, tangy element that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie Served Differently

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace Italian sausage with a mix of hearty mushrooms, zucchini, and plant-based protein crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broths for a complete vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional pizza dough with a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust. Ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Keto-Friendly: Substitute pizza dough with a fathead dough made from almond flour, cream cheese, and eggs. Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and swap regular salsa for a spicier verde or habanero salsa. Include additional cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat in both the pasta and pot pie.

FAQs

  • What makes the deep dish pizza pot pie different from a traditional pizza?

Unlike traditional pizza, this recipe uses a deep-dish pie pan and creates a sealed pie-like structure with folded edges, making it more like a hearty pot pie with pizza-inspired flavors.

  • Can I use different types of meat in the filling?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Italian sausage, you can easily substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or even chicken to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

  • Is this recipe considered a complete meal?

Yes, this recipe offers a complete meal with protein from the sausage, carbohydrates from the pasta and pizza dough, and plenty of vegetables and cheese, making it a satisfying and balanced dish that can be served directly from the pan.

  • How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from the taco seasoning and salsa in the pasta, but you can easily adjust the heat by choosing a mild or hot salsa and taco seasoning to match your spice tolerance.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie Recipe

Deep Dish Pizza Pot Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza pot pie merges classic Italian flavors with Midwestern comfort. Layers of rich cheese, savory meats, and tangy sauce create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 (8 ounces) block cream cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Dairy, Sauces, Pasta, and Other Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
  • 1 (14.5 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounces) can tomato paste
  • 1 (8 ounces) can refrigerated pizza dough
  • Olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Instructions

  1. Ignite the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), preparing for a culinary adventure that marries Italian and comfort food traditions.
  2. Transform the Italian sausage into a golden-brown delicacy by sizzling it in a spacious skillet over medium heat, breaking it into tantalizing crumbles.
  3. Introduce diced onions and bell peppers to the sausage, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence, creating a flavor foundation.
  4. Infuse the mixture with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a symphony of herbs – basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper – letting the sauce simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Lavish a deep-dish pie pan with a light olive oil coating, then gracefully drape the pizza dough, ensuring some edges cascade over the rim.
  6. Cascade the robust sausage and tomato filling into the dough-lined pan, spreading it evenly like a delectable landscape.
  7. Shower the surface with a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating a molten, golden crown.
  8. Tenderly fold the overhanging dough edges inward, sealing the pie with a gentle crimp, creating a rustic, homemade seal.
  9. Slide the creation into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the crust achieves a beautiful golden hue and the cheese bubbles with anticipation.
  10. Pause momentarily after removing from the oven, letting the pie rest and settle its flavors before slicing into this magnificent culinary masterpiece.

Notes

  • Perfectly brown meat by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding ground beef, preventing steaming and promoting caramelization.
  • Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy sauce and maintain the pasta’s creamy texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like homemade salsa or freshly shredded cheese for enhanced flavor profiles.
  • Customize the dish by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star