Cheesy Meat Lovers Deep Dish Pizza: A Hearty Slice of Pure Comfort

Cheesy Meat Lovers Deep Dish Pizza is the kind of indulgent meal that turns an ordinary night into something unforgettable. Thick, buttery crust; layers of rich tomato sauce; generous amounts of melted cheese; and a hearty mix of savory meats—it’s everything a pizza lover dreams of, baked into one satisfying dish. What I love most about this recipe is the balance between comfort and customization. I’ve made versions with turkey sausage, smoked bacon, and even leftover barbecue meats, and every variation has its own charm. The deep-dish style allows the ingredients to mingle as they bake, creating a layered, almost casserole-like richness that’s completely irresistible. Whether you’re preparing this for a game-night dinner or simply craving something extra cozy, this pizza offers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and a crowd-pleasing finish. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again, especially once you see how surprisingly manageable it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is hearty, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The thick crust holds up well to generous toppings, and baking in a deep dish pan creates tender layers that meld beautifully. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and ideal for weekends or special meals.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pizza Dough

The pizza dough forms the foundation of this deep dish, offering a thick, buttery base. It supports heavy toppings while staying tender and slightly crisp on the edges.

Mozzarella Cheese

Shredded mozzarella cheese creates that classic stretchy melt. Its mild flavor lets the meats shine while contributing essential creaminess.

Cheddar or Provolone Cheese

Adding cheddar or provolone cheese deepens the flavor, giving the pizza a richer, more layered cheesy profile.

Tomato Sauce

A robust tomato sauce brings acidity and moisture, balancing the richness of the meats and cheese.

Pepperoni

Classic pepperoni adds salty, spicy depth and crisps beautifully as the pizza bakes.

Italian Sausage

Cooked Italian sausage gives the dish hearty texture and bold, savory flavor that complements the cheese perfectly.

Bacon

Crisped bacon infuses smoky richness and adds crunch to each bite.

Ham

Chopped ham provides a subtle sweetness and balances the stronger meats, creating a well-rounded topping blend.

Olive Oil

A bit of olive oil brushed into the pan helps crisp the crust and prevents sticking.

Italian Seasoning

A sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds aromatic herbs that elevate the sauce and toppings.

Salt and Pepper

The salt and pepper ensure balanced flavor and enhance the meats and cheese throughout the dish.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet. Roll or press the pizza dough into the pan, working it up the sides to create a high edge. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to encourage crispness.

Layer the bottom with a generous amount of mozzarella and cheddar or provolone; placing cheese directly on the dough helps prevent sogginess. Add spoonfuls of tomato sauce over the cheese and spread evenly, keeping the sauce slightly away from the edges. Scatter cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, crumbled bacon, and chopped ham over the sauce. Add an extra handful of cheese on top for a gooey finish, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is deeply melted and bubbling. Let the pizza cool for about 10 minutes before slicing—this resting time helps the layers set and makes cutting easier. Slice thick wedges and serve warm.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through; this helps maintain a crisp crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the dough. The pizza also freezes well—wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Meat Lovers Pizza

Add jalapeños or use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.

BBQ Deep Dish Pizza

Swap the tomato sauce for barbecue sauce and use pulled pork or shredded chicken.

Four-Cheese Deep Dish

Mix mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and fontina for an ultra-cheesy version.

Veggie-Boosted Meat Lovers

Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for added texture and balance.

Hawaiian Meat Lovers

Incorporate pineapple chunks alongside ham for a sweet-salty combination.

Garlic Butter Crust

Brush the crust with garlic butter before baking for added richness.

Turkey Meat Lovers

Use turkey sausage, turkey bacon, and leaner meats for a lighter profile.

Ranch Drizzle Finish

Drizzle ranch dressing over the finished pizza for a creamy, tangy accent.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a gluten-free dough—deep dish styles support alternative doughs well.

Extra Crispy Variation

Par-bake the crust for 8 minutes before adding toppings to increase crispness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.

Do I need to cook the sausage first?

Yes, cook it fully before adding to the pizza to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this in a regular pizza pan?

Deep dish pans work best, but a cast-iron skillet is an excellent alternative.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Layer cheese before the sauce to create a moisture barrier.

Can I prepare the pizza ahead of time?

Assemble it a few hours ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving.

Can I freeze the entire pizza?

Yes—freeze baked slices for up to 2 months.

What cheese melts best?

Mozzarella is ideal for melt, while cheddar and provolone add bold flavor.

Can I use marinara instead of pizza sauce?

Yes, but choose a thicker sauce to avoid sogginess.

Why is my crust undercooked?

Your oven may need a few extra minutes; cover the top with foil and bake longer.

Can I reduce the amount of meat?

Absolutely; adjust toppings to your taste without affecting structure.

Conclusion

Cheesy Meat Lovers Deep Dish Pizza is the ultimate comfort dish, combining rich meats, melty cheese, and a thick, satisfying crust. It’s an ideal crowd-pleaser, incredibly adaptable, and surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whether you stick to the classic meat-heavy version or explore creative customizations, this deep dish pizza delivers hearty flavor and irresistible texture with every slice. It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again whenever you want something truly comforting and indulgent.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!