Description
Homemade Beef Pizza
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Topping:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Cook the Beef Topping:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add the onions and bell peppers (if using) and sauté until softened. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
Add the cooked beef mixture evenly, then top with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of oregano or Italian seasoning.
5. Bake:
Carefully transfer the pizza with the parchment paper onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Slice and enjoy your homemade beef pizza!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure your water is the correct temperature (110°F) to activate the yeast. After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. While it rises, fully cook and drain the ground beef to avoid a greasy pizza. When assembling, use parchment paper as instructed; it makes transferring the loaded pizza simple and prevents sticking. Bake on the lower oven rack to ensure a crisp bottom crust.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pizza is a complete meal on its own. For a classic touch, serve with a side of garlic breadsticks or a light, crisp garden salad with Italian dressing. Offer crushed red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, and a side of extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping the crust. It pairs wonderfully with a cold beer or a glass of robust red wine like Chianti.
How-to Summary
In summary, create this pizza in three main phases: 1) Make the dough by activating yeast, mixing with flour, and letting it rise. 2) Cook the beef topping with onions and peppers until browned. 3) Assemble by rolling the dough, layering with sauce, cheese, beef, and more cheese, then bake at 475°F for 12-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made dough or a store-bought crust?
Yes, for a shortcut, use a 1-pound ball of store-bought pizza dough or a pre-baked crust. Adjust baking time according to package instructions.
How can I prevent a soggy crust?
Ensure your cooked beef mixture is well-drained of excess fat and moisture. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with too much sauce.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and cook the beef topping a day in advance. Store separately, covered, in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when ready.
What are good cheese substitutes?
Mozzarella is ideal for meltiness, but you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack. For a dairy-free option, use a high-quality vegan mozzarella shred.
My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong?
The most common causes are expired yeast or water that was too hot (which killed the yeast) or too cold (which didn’t activate it). Always check the yeast’s expiration date and use a thermometer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot water instead of warm water, which kills the yeast.
- Not letting the dough rise fully, resulting in a dense, tough crust.
- Adding raw ground beef directly to the pizza, which releases grease and makes the pizza soggy.
- Overloading the pizza with toppings, which can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy center.
- Not preheating your oven, pizza stone, or baking sheet thoroughly, which is crucial for a crispy crust.
Conclusion
Making a homemade beef pizza from scratch is a rewarding culinary project that yields far superior results to takeout. By following this guide, you gain control over the quality of ingredients and can customize it to your taste. Mastering the simple dough and learning to balance the toppings are key skills that open the door to endless pizza variations. Enjoy the process and the delicious, satisfying meal you create.