Indulge your culinary senses with our exquisite recipe for an Artisanal Deep-Dish Pizza Casserole, a gourmet twist on the classic favorite. Elevate your at-home dining experience with a carefully crafted crust and a delectable combination of premium ingredients.

Dough Mastery: Crafting the Perfect Foundation

Begin your culinary journey by creating a flawless dough that serves as the foundation for this culinary masterpiece. In a large mixing bowl, blend 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with a perfect balance of warm water, sugar, yeast, olive oil, and salt. Knead this artisanal dough to achieve a silky texture, then allow it to rise until doubled in size, imparting a delightful lightness to your deep-dish creation.

Savory Symphony: A Symphony of Flavors in the Filling

Embrace a symphony of flavors in the savory filling that defines this deep-dish wonder. Sauté a blend of ground Italian sausage or beef, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. Season this melange with a touch of dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. The crescendo of taste is reached with the addition of rich pizza sauce, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds.

Layered Opulence: Building Culinary Layers of Luxury

Assemble your casserole with culinary finesse, layering the risen dough in a greased dish to form a buttery, flaky crust. The first layer of mozzarella cheese forms a luscious base, providing a creamy backdrop for the pizza filling. Pour the meticulously prepared filling onto the cheese-covered canvas, allowing the flavors to intermingle. Crown the casserole with a second layer of mozzarella, ensuring a gooey, golden finish, and sprinkle Parmesan generously for a gratifying hint of sophistication.

Oven Alchemy: Transformative Baking at 400°F

Engage in the transformative process of baking as you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Witness the alchemy of ingredients melding together as the casserole bakes for 25-30 minutes, achieving a golden-brown crust and irresistibly bubbly, slightly caramelized cheese. The kitchen becomes a sanctuary, filled with the irresistible aroma of a professionally crafted deep-dish pizza casserole.

Presentation Elegance: A Culinary Masterpiece Unveiled

Allow the baked masterpiece to cool for a few moments, ensuring a perfect slice every time. Revel in the satisfaction of presenting a dish that transcends the ordinary – a gourmet deep-dish pizza casserole that combines culinary expertise with the warmth of homemade comfort. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitude, this culinary creation promises an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the art of fine cooking.

Home Made Deep Dish Pizza Casserole

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
   • Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sausage or beef until cooked through.
   • Add chopped onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook until vegetables are tender.
   • Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir in the pizza sauce and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to fit your casserole dish.
   • Grease the casserole dish and press the dough into the bottom and up the sides.
   • Spread half of the mozzarella cheese over the dough, followed by the pizza filling. Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Serve:
   • Allow the pizza casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your homemade deep-dish pizza casserole!