Nothing beats the taste of homemade pizza fresh from the oven! This Cheesy Meat Pizza features a soft, fluffy crust topped with rich tomato sauce, seasoned minced beef, colorful bell peppers, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, game nights, or whenever you’re craving restaurant-quality pizza at home. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a delicious homemade pizza that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with cheesy goodness.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8 slices
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 sachet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 40°C/105°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Meat Topping
- 250g minced beef or sausage meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Pizza Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Add the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the minced beef or sausage meat and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon.
Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and chili flakes if using.
Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle.
Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan, baking tray, or pizza stone.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Evenly distribute the cooked meat and diced red bell pepper.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve while hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cheesy meat pizza with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- French fries
- Coleslaw
- Ranch, garlic, or chili dipping sauce
