Deep Dish Meatball Pizza

Epic deep dish pizza with homemade meatballs, thick crust, and loads of melted cheese. Pizza night just got amazing! This Deep Dish Meatball Pizza is perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or any occasion that calls for a hearty meal. Its unique combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone raving about it. Get ready for a delicious experience that elevates pizza to a whole new level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory meatballs, rich cheese, and zesty sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish for dinner or a fun option for parties and celebrations.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own meatballs from scratch, adding a personal touch to your pizza.
• Thick and Hearty: The deep dish crust holds all the toppings perfectly, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable even for novice cooks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools. Having the right kitchen gear can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Springform pan
• Baking sheet
• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Springform pan: Ideal for creating that perfect deep dish crust while allowing easy removal after baking.
• Skillet: Great for sautéing vegetables and cooking meatballs to perfection before adding them to the pizza.
• Rolling pin: Helps in shaping the dough evenly, ensuring a consistent crust thickness throughout.

Ingredients

Epic deep dish pizza with homemade meatballs, thick crust, and loads of melted cheese. Pizza night just got amazing!

Ingredients:
– ⅓ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
– ½ pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
– ½ pound ground chicken
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ large yellow onion, sliced thin
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced (optional)
– 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
– 1½ teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 pound pizza dough, room temperature
– ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara
– 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

How to Make Deep Dish Meatball Pizza

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with milk. Let it soak for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid and soften.

Step 2: Cook the Onion

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the diced onion for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding it to the soaked breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Meatball Mixture

Add ground beef, ground chicken, beaten egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture:
1. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
2. Roll into 24 small meatballs, about 1 inch each.

Step 4: Bake Meatballs

Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet:
1. Bake for 15–17 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
2. Remove from oven and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare Springform Pan

Increase oven temperature to 450°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.

Step 6: Sauté Onions

In the same skillet used earlier:
1. Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onion and diced jalapeño (if using).
3. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until onions are golden and soft.
4. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 7: Shape Pizza Dough

On a floured surface:
1. Roll pizza dough into an 11-inch circle.
2. Carefully transfer it to the greased springform pan by pressing the dough up the sides about 1–2 inches to create a deep dish crust.

Step 8: Assemble Pizza

Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough:
1. In a large bowl, gently combine cooked meatballs with sautéed onion mixture and both shredded cheeses.
2. Distribute this mixture evenly over the sauce.

Step 9: Bake Pizza

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese starts to bubble:
1. Cover with foil if needed during baking to prevent over-browning.
2. Bake an additional 5–7 minutes ensuring that the crust cooks through.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven:
1. Let cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before carefully releasing springform sides.
2. Cut into wedges and serve hot!

Enjoy your delicious Deep Dish Meatball Pizza!

How to Serve Deep Dish Meatball Pizza

Deep Dish Meatball Pizza is a hearty meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your pizza experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the pizza.
• Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine lettuce with creamy dressing and croutons adds a classic touch to your meal.

Add Dipping Sauces

• Garlic Butter Dip: Melted garlic butter can be drizzled over each slice for an extra flavor kick.
• Spicy Marinara Sauce: A side of marinara sauce spiced up with red pepper flakes makes for a zesty dipping option.

Serve with Beverages

• Iced Tea: Refreshing iced tea balances the savory flavors of the pizza.
• Lemonade: A cold glass of lemonade provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich meatballs and cheese.

How to Perfect Deep Dish Meatball Pizza

To achieve the ultimate deep dish meatball pizza, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Bold Dough Preparation: Allow your pizza dough to rest at room temperature for better elasticity when shaping.
• Bold Cheese Selection: Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Bold Meatball Size: Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking; aim for about 1 inch in diameter.
• Bold Baking Temperature: Preheat your oven properly to get that golden crust; don’t skip this step!
• Bold Cooling Time: Let the pizza cool in the pan before slicing to help maintain its structure.

Best Side Dishes for Deep Dish Meatball Pizza

Serving Deep Dish Meatball Pizza alongside tasty side dishes elevates your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread topped with garlic butter pairs perfectly with pizza.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition to your table.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make an excellent appetizer or side dish.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offers a refreshing contrast.
5. Coleslaw: The crunch and tanginess of coleslaw provide a delightful balance to the cheesy pizza.
6. Potato Wedges: Baked or fried potato wedges seasoned with herbs are always a hit as a crunchy side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Deep Dish Meatball Pizza, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overworking the dough: Kneading the dough too much can make it tough. Handle it gently and only until combined for a soft crust.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to soggy crusts. Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the assembled pizza to rest before baking helps flavors meld. Don’t rush this step for the best results.
• Using low-quality cheese: Low-quality cheese may not melt well or provide enough flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality cheeses for a delicious topping.
• Ignoring cooking times: Each oven is different; watch your pizza closely towards the end of baking to prevent burning.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing Deep Dish Meatball Pizza

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Deep Dish Meatball Pizza

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat slices for about 1 minute. Check if warm; add more time if needed.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a lid on for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for beef in Deep Dish Meatball Pizza?

You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef. Both will give a lighter taste while still being delicious.

How do I make my Deep Dish Meatball Pizza spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include diced jalapeños in the meatballs or topping mixture for extra heat.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough can save time and still yield great results! Just make sure it’s at room temperature before using.

How long does it take to prepare Deep Dish Meatball Pizza?

Preparation takes about 45 minutes, with an additional cooking time of around 45 minutes, making it perfect for a weekend meal!

Conclusion

This Deep Dish Meatball Pizza recipe is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Give it a try, and enjoy an epic pizza night at home!

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