Recipe: Meatball Parmesan Chicago Pizza
Introduction
Chicago-style pizza is famous for its deep-dish crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous toppings. One of the most popular variations is Meatball Parmesan Chicago Pizza, which combines the classic flavors of meatballs and parmesan cheese with the unique crust and sauce of Chicago-style pizza. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this delicious and hearty pizza at home.
Ingredients
For the crust:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
For the sauce:
– 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the meatballs:
– ½ pound ground beef
– ½ pound ground pork
– 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping:
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the crust
1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the sauce
1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the meatballs
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the pizza
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Take the risen dough and press it into a deep-dish pizza pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
3. Spread the prepared sauce over the crust.
4. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Arrange the cooked meatballs evenly on top of the cheese.
6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the meatballs.
Step 5: Bake and serve
1. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Serve the Meatball Parmesan Chicago Pizza hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
Making Meatball Parmesan Chicago Pizza at home is a delightful experience that allows you to enjoy the authentic flavors of this iconic dish. The combination of the deep-dish crust, flavorful tomato sauce, juicy meatballs, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering pizza that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade version of this classic Chicago-style pizza.