Deep-Dish Pizza

Photo: flickr user konomike

Ingredients

1 pound hot Italian sausage casings removed

1 medium green bell pepper cut ¼" strips

1 small onion sliced

1 cup pizza or spaghetti sauce

1 pound store-bought pizza dough

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Coat a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large skillet, cook the sausage, pepper, and onion over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until no pink remains in the sausage and the vegetables are tender, stirring constantly; drain. Add the sauce; mix well.

Using your fingertips or the heel of your hand, spread the dough so that it covers the bottom of the pan and comes three quarters of the way up the sides. Spread the sausage mixture over the dough, then top with the cheese.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and brown. Cut and serve.

This recipe yields 6 slices.

Comments: If you'd rather not have a spicy pizza, go ahead and use a mild or sweet sausage.

Yield: 6 slices