Hearty Meat Pizza

Hearty Meat Pizza Recipe - Authentic Italian Pizza with Ground Beef and Pepperoni

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Hearty Meat Pizza is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines a crispy crust with a savory meat topping. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

History

Pizza has been a popular dish for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. The modern pizza as we know it today, with tomato sauce and cheese, originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. The addition of meat toppings, such as sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, became popular in the United States in the 20th century.

Ingredients

2.75 to 3.25 cups all-purpose flour
1 package active dry yeast
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (120°F (49°C) to 130°F)
2 tbsp cooking oil
0.5 lb (227 g) ground beef and/or bulk italian sausage or pork sausage
1 cup chopped onion
1 x 3.5 oz (99 g) package sliced pepperoni
1 cup cut-up Canadian-style bacon
1 cup chopped green sweet pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz (227 g))
0.25 cup grated parmesan or romano cheese
0.75 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil, margarine, or butter
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can tomatoes, cut up
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp snipped fresh basil or 1 tsp dried basil, crushed
1 tbsp snipped fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano, crushed
1 tsp fennel seed, crushed (optional)
0.5 tsp sugar
0.25 tsp pepper

How to prepare

Sauce

Cook 0.75 cup of chopped onion and garlic in 1 tbsp of oil.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, bay leaf, basil, oregano, fennel seed (if using), sugar, and pepper.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes or until desired consistency is reached, stirring occasionally.
Discard the bay leaf.

Crust

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 1.25 cups of flour, yeast, and salt.
Add warm water and 2 tbsp of oil.
Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl constantly.
Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
Using a spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total).
Divide the dough in half. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Pizza

Grease two 11- to 13-inch pizza pans or baking sheets.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each half of the dough into a circle 1 inch larger than the pizza pan. Transfer to the pans.
Build up the edges slightly. Flute the edges, if desired. Prick the dough generously with a fork. Do not let it rise.
Bake in a 425°F (218°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook ground beef and/or sausage and 1 cup of chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain the fat.
Spread pizza sauce over the hot crusts.
Sprinkle with the meat mixture.
Top with pepperoni, Canadian-style bacon, and green sweet pepper.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes more or until the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly.

Variations

Add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms or olives, to the topping.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking the pizza.

- Use a pizza stone or baking sheet to ensure a crispy crust.

- Customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hearty Meat Pizza with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for a crispy crust.

- Prick the dough with a fork before baking to prevent air bubbles.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage.

- Use a store-bought pizza sauce if you're short on time.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the pizza sauce and dough ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hearty Meat Pizza on a wooden cutting board for a rustic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hearty Meat Pizza with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hearty Meat Pizza contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hearty Meat Pizza contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hearty Meat Pizza contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hearty Meat Pizza contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hearty Meat Pizza is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten and dairy.

Summary

Hearty Meat Pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hearty Meat Pizza is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences and enjoy a homemade pizza that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was rummaging through an old box of my grandmother's belongings in the attic. As I sifted through the yellowed papers and dusty photos, I stumbled upon a tattered notebook with a faded cover that read "Recipes from the Heart."

Curious, I opened the notebook and my eyes fell upon a page titled "Hearty Meat Pizza." Intrigued, I read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of trying out this new recipe.

I immediately set to work gathering the necessary ingredients – flour, yeast, olive oil, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and bell peppers. As I mixed the dough and let it rise, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood, when my grandmother used to make homemade pizza for our family on special occasions.

I remember watching her knead the dough with her strong hands, her eyes sparkling with joy as she added the toppings one by one. The smell of bubbling cheese and savory meats wafting through the kitchen would make my mouth water in anticipation.

As I rolled out the dough and spread the sauce, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and her love for cooking. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, her hands gently showing me how to shape the perfect crust and layer on the toppings just right.

When the pizza emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling with cheesy goodness, I knew I had stumbled upon a treasure. The flavors of the hearty meat, tangy sauce, and melty cheese melded together in a delicious symphony that brought back memories of family gatherings and shared meals.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my own loved ones, passing down the tradition of homemade pizza and the joy of cooking from the heart. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our family, a beloved favorite that would bring us together around the dinner table for years to come.

As I savored the first bite of the Hearty Meat Pizza, I felt a sense of gratitude for the journey that had led me to this moment. From my grandmother's old notebook to my own kitchen, the recipe had traveled through time and generations, carrying with it the love and memories of those who had come before me.

And as I looked around at my family gathered around the table, laughing and sharing stories as they enjoyed the delicious pizza I had made, I knew that this simple recipe had brought us closer together in a way that only good food and shared experiences can.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the moment and the flavors of the Hearty Meat Pizza that had brought us all together. In that moment, I felt grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy of sharing a meal with the ones I love. And I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us and bring us joy.