Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza is an American classic. First created in Chicago in 1943, it has become a part of America's culinary heritage. The classic flavor of this version, with loads of cheese, sausage, spinach, and pepperoni, just can't be beat.

MEAT SAUCE

• 3/4 lb. bulk Italian sausage
• 3/4 lb. ground beef
• 1 c. chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz. mushrooms, sliced
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 3 oz. pepperoni, sliced
• 2 T. fresh basil (or 2 t. dried basil)
• 1 T. fresh oregano (or 1 t. dried oregano)
• 1/4 t. crushed red pepper

CRUST

• 16 oz. frozen bread dough

CHEESE LAYER

• 1-1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 slightly beaten egg

TOPPING

• 1 T. butter, melted
• 2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

For meat sauce, in a large skillet, cook:

• 3/4 lb. bulk Italian sausage
• 3/4 lb. ground beef
• 1 c. chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

until meat is brown. Drain fat.

Add:

• 4 oz. mushrooms, sliced

Saute 3 additional minutes.

Stir in:

• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 3 oz. pepperoni, sliced
• 2 T. fresh basil (or 2 t. dried basil)
• 1 T. fresh oregano (or 1 t. dried oregano)
• 1/4 t. crushed red pepper

For crust, divide

• 16 oz. frozen bread dough

into thirds.

On a lightly floured surface, roll 2/3 of the dough into a 12-inch circle.

Carefully place the circle in a greased 9" Springform pan, pressing the dough 1-1/2 inches up the sides.

Sprinkle crust with

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Pat spinach dry with paper towels. Mix:

• 10 oz. spinach
• 1 egg
• Remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

Spread spinach mixture over meat filling.

Roll remaining dough into a 10" circle. Use a pizza cutter to cut circle into 12 wedges.

Arrange wedges over spinach mixture, overlapping edges slightly.

Brush top with:

• 1 T. butter, melted
• 2 T. Parmesan cheese

Bake pizza at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes. If necessary, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over browning. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes.

Remove sides of springform pan.

Cut into wedges.

Serves 8.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator.