Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked meatballs, halved (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Prepare the Pizza Pan:
Grease a deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
Assemble the Pizza:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to fit your pan, leaving a bit of an overhang.
Place the dough in the greased pan, pressing it into the sides and bottom.
Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the dough.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Add the cooked meat mixture and meatballs, then pour marinara sauce over everything.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Pizza:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the crust is cooked through.
If the top gets too brown, cover loosely with foil.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Drizzle with extra marinara sauce if desired and garnish with fresh basil.
Presentation Tips
Serve the pizza directly in the pan for a rustic look.
Highlight the gooey cheese and meatballs in your photos.
Capture the rich, layered texture of the pizza for a mouthwatering presentation.
