Create restaurant-quality beef pizza in your kitchen with this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or first-time baker, these steps will help you craft the perfect meaty pie.
Essential Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
For the Beef Topping:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1½ cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Optional toppings: bell peppers, mushrooms, olives
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the mixture.
3. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Preparing the Beef
1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until onions are translucent.
3. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Assembly and Baking
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Punch down dough and roll out on a floured surface.
3. Transfer to a pizza pan or stone.
4. Spread pizza sauce evenly, leaving a small border.
5. Add cooked beef mixture.
6. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Add any additional toppings.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza
1. Temperature Matters
- Use warm water (105-110°F) for yeast activation
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature
- Preheat oven thoroughly with pizza stone if using
2. Dough Handling
- Don’t overwork the dough
- Let it rest if it springs back while rolling
- Create a slightly thicker edge for a proper crust
3. Beef Preparation
- Use lean ground beef (80/20) for best results
- Break meat into small, even pieces while cooking
- Drain thoroughly to prevent soggy pizza
4. Assembly Tips
- Don’t overload with toppings
- Layer cheese both under and over the beef
- Brush crust edges with olive oil for golden color
Variations to Try
1. Spicy Beef Pizza
- Add red pepper flakes
- Use spicy pizza sauce
- Top with jalapeños
2. BBQ Beef Pizza
- Replace pizza sauce with BBQ sauce
- Add caramelized onions
- Top with cilantro
3. Mediterranean Style
- Add feta cheese
- Include olives and sun-dried tomatoes
- Sprinkle with oregano
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for best results
- Avoid microwave to maintain crust crispiness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Dough Problems
- Using old yeast
- Not letting dough rise properly
- Rolling too thin or thick
2. Topping Issues
- Overloading with ingredients
- Using wet toppings
- Not precooking meat properly
READ MORE: Perfect Homemade Pizza: Crispy Crust & Flavorful Toppings