This hearty deep dish pizza bowl is a rich, cheesy, oven-baked comfort meal layered with seasoned ground beef, mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, black olives, and robust tomato sauce. Unlike traditional pizza, this version is baked in a foil pan or casserole dish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a high-protein, low-carb pizza alternative. It delivers bold Italian flavors with a gooey cheese pull and crispy golden top.
If you love Chicago-style deep dish pizza but want something easier and faster, this recipe is a must-try.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Base Layer (Optional Crust Alternative):
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2 cups biscuit dough or pre-made pizza dough
(For low-carb: use cauliflower crust mixture or skip crust entirely)
For the Meat Sauce Layer:
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1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
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1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt & black pepper to taste
Toppings:
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
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½ green bell pepper, chopped
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¼ cup sliced black olives
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½ cup diced tomatoes
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
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Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or foil pan.
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Prepare the Base: Press biscuit dough or pizza dough evenly into the bottom of the dish. Pre-bake for 5–7 minutes until slightly firm.
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Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease.
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Season & Simmer: Add pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
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Layer the Pizza Bowl:
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Spread meat sauce over the crust.
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Add mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
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Top with bell peppers, olives, and tomatoes.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
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Broil (Optional): Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispy cheesy top.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
🔥 Pro Tips for Gourmet Results
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Use whole milk mozzarella for better melt and texture.
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Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni for a premium meat lover’s pizza experience.
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For a keto pizza recipe, skip the crust and add a layer of ricotta cheese at the base.
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Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle fresh basil after baking for restaurant-quality flavor.
🥗 Nutritional Insight (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 420–550 (depending on crust)
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Protein: 28g+
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Carbohydrates: 18–35g
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Fat: 30g
Perfect for high-protein meal plans or family comfort food dinners.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (High-Interest Topics)
1. Can I make this pizza bowl low carb or keto?
Yes! Skip traditional dough and use a cauliflower crust or bake it crustless for a keto-friendly pizza casserole.
2. What is the best cheese blend for deep dish pizza?
A mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan delivers maximum melt, stretch, and authentic Italian flavor.
3. Can I freeze this baked pizza casserole?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture.
4. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheats beautifully.
5. How can I make it healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and add more vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
