The Recipe: Step-by-Step Preparation
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- $1/2$ tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade equivalent), enough for a 12-14 inch pizza
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- $1/2$ cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese (for extra flavor and stretch)
- Optional toppings: $1/4$ cup sliced black olives or bell peppers
Instructions
- Prep the Beef Topping: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to $450^{\circ}F$ ($232^{\circ}C$). Lightly flour a pizza peel or baking sheet. Roll or stretch your pizza dough into a $12$ to $14$-inch circle.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and the cheddar/provolone over the sauce. This cheesy layer acts as a ‘glue’ for the meat and keeps the crust from getting soggy.
- Add the Meat: Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef mixture over the cheese.
- Final Cheese Layer: Top the pizza with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Add any optional toppings like olives or peppers.
- Bake: Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for $12$ to $15$ minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned in spots. For an extra crispy bottom, use a preheated pizza stone or steel.
- Serve: Let the pizza cool for just a minute or two before slicing and serving. Watch for that epic cheese pull! 🤩
Essential Tips for the Ultimate Cheesy Crust
Achieving that perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside crust is the key to an incredible homemade pizza. High heat is your friend here. Most professional pizzerias cook at temperatures far exceeding what a home oven can reach, but by preheating your oven to $450^{\circ}F$ ($232^{\circ}C$) or higher, you mimic that environment as closely as possible.
Additionally, the type of cheese matters. While mozzarella is traditional for its melt and stringiness, combining it with a semi-hard cheese like provolone or cheddar significantly boosts the flavor depth and helps create a beautiful golden-brown finish. Mozzarella, renowned for its excellent stretch factor, has a history tracing back to 12th-century Italy, where it was traditionally made from buffalo milk. Using a blend ensures the best of both worlds: that classic, satisfying pull and a richer taste.
Another useful trick for this Easy Homemade Cheesy Ground Beef Pizza Recipe is to avoid over-saucing. Too much moisture will steam the dough, resulting in a soft, limp crust. A thin, even layer of sauce is all you need to add flavor without sacrificing texture.
😋 Simple Satisfaction
There is profound satisfaction in mastering a recipe that brings smiles to the dinner table. This Easy Homemade Cheesy Ground Beef Pizza Recipe is a testament to the idea that the best food is often the simplest and most comforting. It’s hearty, incredibly customizable (try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat!), and perfectly sized for a family dinner or a friendly gathering.
From the savory aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes to the moment you lift that first slice with its cascade of molten cheese and seasoned beef, this recipe is a pure joy. It’s an effortless classic that deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
What is your favorite topping to add to a ground beef pizza for an extra kick of flavor? Share your secrets!
