🍕 Cast Iron Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Growing up, pizza night was always a highlight in our house. But back then, “pizza night” usually meant a flat frozen pizza tossed onto a baking sheet. It wasn’t until years later that I discovered the magic of a cast iron deep dish pizza recipe—a skillet pie with edges so crispy, they almost shatter when you bite in, yet with a chewy inside that soaks up all the sauce and cheese.

This skillet method reminds me of the way my parents used to “doctor up” pizzas at home—extra sauce for Dad, crispy edges for Mom, and toppings piled high for the kids. These days, I make this deep dish pizza on our propane oven, and while the kids still pick around the thick corners, the adults can’t get enough of that crusty, cheesy bread edge.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-style results at home – no pizza stone required.
Crispy edges + gooey middle – the cast iron pan guarantees it.
Customizable toppings – make it meaty, veggie-loaded, or classic cheese.
Family favorite – perfect for pizza night when you want something hearty.
Technique over recipe – once you know the method, you can swap in anything.

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown (with Tips & Substitutions)

Pizza Dough – Homemade or store-bought works fine. The key is stretching it to the edges of the pan.
Olive Oil + Flour – To coat the skillet and help form that golden crust.
Pizza Sauce – Go heavy-handed! The sauce keeps the inside moist and flavorful.
Italian Seasoning – Adds that classic pizzeria aroma.
Parmesan Cheese – A salty, nutty layer under the toppings.
Mozzarella (3/4) + Cheddar (1/4) – This mix gives you melty pull plus a golden bubbly top.
Toppings of Choice – Pepperoni, onions, or your favorites.
Raw Ground Beef Chunks (Hamburger Steak Style) – Placed raw on top so they cook into the cheese, adding rich flavor.

👉 Substitutions:

Try turkey sausage instead of beef for a lighter twist.
Swap cheddar with provolone or fontina for extra creaminess.
Add mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for veggie lovers.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F. If using propane, aim for consistent middle heat.
Lightly rub the inside of your deepest cast iron pan with olive oil, then dust with flour.

3. Place your pizza dough ball in the center, then press it out to the pan edges. Keep in mind that the corners will puff up more.

4. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on the bottom, then brush the sauce up the sides of the dough.

5. Sprinkle Italian seasoning across the bottom and sides.
6. Add a thin layer of Parmesan cheese.
7. Add toppings of choice.
8. Mix cheeses (¾ mozzarella, ¼ cheddar) and spread evenly.
9. Place small raw chunks of ground beef on top.

10. Bake at 425°F until cheese is bubbly and edges are crispy brown (25–35 minutes).

🔧 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

For extra crispiness: Preheat the cast iron skillet in the oven for 5 minutes before adding dough.
If dough shrinks back: Let it rest 10 minutes, then stretch again.
Soggy bottom? Use less moisture-heavy toppings (like draining mushrooms).
Overbrowning edges: Tent foil around the crust halfway through baking.

🍽️ Variations & Serving Ideas

Chicago-Inspired: Add layers of cheese under the sauce.
Veggie Lovers: Pile in roasted peppers, spinach, mushrooms.
BBQ Twist: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce, use chicken + red onion.
Breakfast Pizza: Add scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar.

Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic knots for the ultimate pizza night.

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Slice and freeze individually for easy reheating.
Reheat: Place in skillet at 350°F until warm, or air fry for extra crisp edges.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this without cast iron?
Yes! Use any oven-safe heavy skillet or even a deep cake pan, though cast iron gives the crispiest results.

Do I have to use raw beef on top?
No, but it adds great flavor as it cooks directly into the cheese. Pre-cooked sausage, pepperoni, or veggies work just as well.

How do I keep the center from being doughy?
Bake on the lowest rack of the oven so the bottom crisps while the top browns.

Can I prep this ahead?
Yes—assemble the pizza, cover, and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking.

🏁 Conclusion

This cast iron deep dish pizza recipe is proof that pizza night doesn’t have to be ordinary. With its crispy edges, gooey cheese, and hearty toppings, it’s a family favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

✨ Did your family grow up with pizza night too? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this recipe or save it to Pinterest for later! 📌