Name: Meat Lover's Pizza
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup warm water; 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed); 1/3 to 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled beef; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled hot sausage; 1/4 cup pepperoni slices; Ground black pepper to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of hearty, savory flavors, this Meat Lover’s Pizza is a must-try. With a homemade thin crust topped with two types of cheese, cooked beef, spicy pepperoni, and hot sausage, it’s a carnivore’s dream come true. Ditch the take-out and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting this indulgent pizza at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup warm water
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1/3 to 1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled beef
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled hot sausage
1/4 cup pepperoni slices
Ground black pepper to taste

Directions

In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve and let it proof until frothy.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add flour and salt. With the mixer running on low, slowly add the yeast mixture. Increase speed and add olive oil if needed. Mix until a dough ball forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Shape the dough into your desired size and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Spread pizza sauce over the dough. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Evenly distribute the cooked beef, sausage, and pepperoni over the cheese.
Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and season with ground black pepper.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, slice, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 3–6, depending on portion size
Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Cheese Options: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking.
Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for added texture and taste.
Crust Alternatives: Use a gluten-free pizza crust or a cauliflower crust for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier crust, place the pizza directly on the oven rack.

FAQs

How can I make the crust crispier?

To achieve a crispier crust, bake the pizza directly on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, you can substitute homemade dough with store-bought pizza dough for convenience.

Is there a vegetarian version of this pizza?

Yes, omit the meats and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers for a vegetarian pizza.

Can I freeze the pizza before baking?

Yes, assemble the pizza up to the point of baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure the pizza sauce is not too watery and consider pre-baking the crust for 5–7 minutes before adding toppings.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

How do I know when the pizza is done?

The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I add more meat?

Yes, you can add additional meats like ground beef, chicken, or turkey to suit your taste.

Is this recipe suitable for a pizza party?

Yes, this recipe can be doubled or tripled to serve a larger group.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using.

Conclusion

This Meat Lover’s Pizza is a delightful combination of crispy crust, savory meats, and melted cheeses. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a game night, or any occasion that calls for a hearty meal. With easy-to-follow instructions and customizable options, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.