Deep Dish Meatball Marinara Pizza: A Chicago Specialty

Deep dish meatball marinara pizza is a Chicago-style pizza that is made with a thick, doughy crust, a layer of cheese, a layer of meatballs, and a layer of marinara sauce. It is a popular dish in Chicago and is often served at parties and gatherings.

History of Deep Dish Meatball Marinara Pizza

The origins of deep dish meatball marinara pizza are unclear, but it is thought to have been created in the early 1900s by Italian immigrants in Chicago. The pizza was originally made with a simple dough crust, a layer of cheese, and a layer of tomato sauce. Over time, meatballs were added to the pizza, and the marinara sauce was added to give the pizza a more flavorful and robust taste.

How to Make Deep Dish Meatball Marinara Pizza

To make deep dish meatball marinara pizza, you will need the following ingredients: * 1 pound ground beef * 1/2 cup bread crumbs * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese * 1/4 cup chopped onion * 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper * 1 egg * 1/2 cup marinara sauce * 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese * 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). 2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, green bell pepper, and egg. Mix well. 3. Form the ground beef mixture into 1-inch meatballs. 4. Place the meatballs in a single layer in a greased 9-inch round baking dish. 5. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. 6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the marinara sauce. 7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. 8. Sprinkle the fresh basil over the pizza before serving.

Tips for Making Deep Dish Meatball Marinara Pizza

* For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 10 minutes before adding the toppings. * To make the pizza ahead of time, assemble the pizza and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring the pizza to room temperature and bake as directed. * If you don't have any marinara sauce, you can use a can of tomato sauce or even a can of diced tomatoes. * You can also add other toppings to your deep dish meatball marinara pizza, such as mushrooms, onions, or olives.

Conclusion

Deep dish meatball marinara pizza is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a delicious and satisfying pizza, try making deep dish meatball marinara pizza.