Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza

• 1.5 lbs pizza dough (cornmeal added preferred)
• 1 lb sliced mozzarella cheese
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage, raw, removed from casings
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for pan)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat a 12-inch round deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet generously with vegetable oil.

2. 2

   Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.

3. 3

   Layer the sliced mozzarella cheese directly over the dough bottom. This protects the crust from getting soggy.

4. 4

   Distribute the raw sausage chunks evenly over the cheese. Press them down slightly.

5. 5

   In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes with oregano and garlic powder. Spread this sauce over the sausage layer.

6. 6

   Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.

7. 7

   Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil.

8. 8

   Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.