MVP Meat Lover Pizza (Print version)

A hearty pizza topped with beef, sausage, pepperoni, and bacon for big appetites.

# What you need:

→ Pizza Dough

01 - 1 pound fresh pizza dough, store-bought or homemade

→ Sauce & Cheese

02 - 1/2 cup pizza sauce
03 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Meat Toppings

05 - 4 ounces cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
06 - 4 ounces cooked ground beef, seasoned with salt and pepper
07 - 3 ounces pepperoni slices
08 - 3 ounces cooked bacon, chopped
09 - 2 ounces Canadian bacon or ham, chopped (optional)

→ Vegetables & Garnish

10 - 1/4 cup sliced red onions
11 - 1/4 cup sliced green bell peppers (optional)
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped

→ Spices & Oil

13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 475°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
02 - On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 12-inch round. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
03 - Brush the dough lightly with olive oil. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border.
04 - Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauce.
05 - Evenly distribute crumbled sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, bacon, and Canadian bacon (if using) over the cheese.
06 - Add sliced red onions and bell peppers, if desired.
07 - Sprinkle with dried oregano and red pepper flakes.
08 - Transfer pizza to the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
09 - Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Slice and serve hot.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The combination of seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage creates layers of flavor that pepperoni alone could never achieve
  • This recipe strikes that perfect balance between crispy crust and gooey cheese that makes restaurant pizza so addictive
  • You can customize the meat combinations based on what is in your fridge without sacrificing satisfaction
02 -
  • A pizza stone makes a huge difference but if you do not have one a preheated baking sheet works surprisingly well
  • Let the cooked meats drain on paper towels before topping or your pizza might become greasy
  • The dough needs that 1-inch bare border because it will puff up and create the perfect crispy edge
03 -
  • Precook your ground beef with extra salt and pepper since it will lose some seasoning in the oven
  • If your crust is burning before the cheese melts move it to a lower rack for the last few minutes

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