Chicago-Style Sausage Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 12 ounces Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups crushed canned tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, sauté bell pepper and onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
7. Punch down dough and press it into a 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan, pushing dough up the sides to form a thick crust.
8. Layer mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
9. Spread cooked sausage evenly over the cheese, then add sautéed peppers and onions.
10. Mix crushed tomatoes with oregano and red pepper flakes, then spoon sauce over the toppings.
11. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
12. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden and sauce is bubbly.
13. Let pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.