Name: Quick Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe for Busy Nights
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (455g) refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 3 tablespoon (45g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 lb (450g) cooked Italian sausage, crumbled; 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups (500g) chunky marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Hey y'all! If you’re craving that iconic deep-dish comfort but don’t have hours to spare, this Quick Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe for Busy Nights is for you. Thick, buttery crust, gooey cheese, and a robust tomato sauce make this an irresistible weeknight dinner or the star of your weekend movie night. It’s fast, fuss-free, and sure to satisfy everyone around the table. Let’s get cooking!

Quick Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe for Busy Nights

Why You'll Love This

Ready in under 1 hour for busy schedules or pizza emergencies.
Decadent layers of gooey cheese and savory toppings in every bite.
Simple ingredients and minimal prep for maximum flavor.
Versatile—customize with your favorite meats, veggies, or keep it classic.
Leftovers (if any!) reheat beautifully for next-day lunches.

Ingredients

1 lb (455g) refrigerated pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
3 tablespoon (45g) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb (450g) cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups (500g) chunky marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Directions

Prep & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch cake pan or deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil.

Shape the Dough

Stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Press the dough into the prepared pan, making sure it comes up about 1.5 inches on the sides to hold all those tasty layers.

Brush & Layer Cheese

Brush the melted butter all over the dough (especially up the sides). Sprinkle mozzarella and half of the Parmesan evenly over the bottom of the crust.

Add Toppings

Evenly layer cooked sausage, green bell pepper, and red onion over the cheese layer.

Top with Sauce & Season

Spread the chunky marinara sauce evenly over the entire pizza, up to the edges. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Bake

Bake on the bottom rack for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.

Cool, Slice & Serve

Let the pizza cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to serve generous wedges!

Notes

For best results, let refrigerated dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before shaping—it will stretch easier.
You can sub in a 10-inch skillet for the baking pan if needed.
For a crispier base, bake the pan directly on a preheated baking stone or steel.

Variations

Veggie Lover's: Swap sausage for mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Pepperoni Supreme: Replace sausage with 1 cup sliced pepperoni and add black olives.
BBQ Chicken: Use cooked chicken, BBQ sauce instead of marinara, and add sliced red onions.

Required Equipment

9-inch cake pan or deep-dish pizza pan
Rolling pin (or your hands for shaping dough)
Basting brush
Large mixing spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Store leftover deep-dish pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp Caesar or Italian salad for balance.
Pair with a chilled glass of soda, Italian lemonade, or your favorite beer.
Garlic breadsticks or roasted veggies round out the meal perfectly.

Pro Tips

Don't skip preheating the oven—a hot oven ensures a crispy-bottomed crust.
Letting the pizza cool before slicing helps the layers set and keeps slices neat.
Layer cheese first to prevent a soggy crust from the sauce.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?: Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage or replace with your favorite vegetables or meat alternatives.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?: Yes, homemade dough works beautifully; just make sure it’s well rested so it’s easy to stretch into the pan.
What’s the best way to keep the crust from getting soggy?: Always put cheese down before sauce, and avoid overloading with too much sauce or overly wet toppings.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes