Cheesy Beefy Slice

This meaty, cheese-loaded pizza creation brings together the warmth of classic pizza with the fullness of a beef-loaded feast. Two types of cheese create that amazing stretch when you grab your first piece, while the flavorful ground beef gives a rich taste that makes this so much better than regular pizza.

I came up with this dish during a super busy week when I wanted something everyone would eat without spending forever cooking. Now it's become our Friday family tradition, with everyone gathering around to pull those perfectly stretchy cheese slices.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Homemade gives the tastiest base, but good store-bought works fine when you're short on time
• Ground beef: Go for 80/20 to get just the right mix of taste and juiciness
• Pizza sauce: Try to find one with fewer ingredients for better flavor
• Garlic powder: Brings extra flavor to the meat without being too strong
• Salt and pepper: Must-haves for making the beef taste great
• Mozzarella cheese: Gives you that classic stretchy pizza feel, grate it yourself for better melting
• Cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, zingy flavor that works great with the beef

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until fully browned, around 5-7 minutes. Mix in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper while it's cooking. Getting the seasoning right now builds the taste foundation for your whole pizza. Pour off extra fat so your crust won't get soggy.

Prepare the Base:

Heat your oven to 425°F and spread out your pizza dough on a floured baking sheet or pizza stone. For an extra crispy bottom, cook the bare crust for 3-5 minutes first if you're using homemade dough.

Layer the Toppings:

Spread sauce evenly across the dough but leave a half-inch edge for the crust. Sprinkle the cooked beef all over the sauce, making sure it's spread out nicely. Break the beef into small bits rather than big clumps so it's easier to eat.

Add the Cheese:

Put the cheddar down first over the beef, then cover with mozzarella on top. This way lets the cheddar melt into the meat while the mozzarella forms that beautiful golden topping. Don't be stingy with cheese if you want an awesome stretchy experience.

Bake to Perfection:

Put your pizza in the hot oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You'll know it's done when the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles and browns slightly. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before cutting so the cheese can set up a bit.

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The real magic in this pizza comes from how I layer the cheese. I found out by chance that putting cheddar underneath mozzarella makes the flavor way more interesting because the cheddar melts right into the beef. This creates tiny spots of tangy sharpness that taste amazing against the smooth mozzarella on top.

Make-Ahead Options

This pizza works great for planning ahead. You can cook the beef up to two days early and keep it in the fridge. Or you can put the whole pizza together, wrap it up tight and freeze it for up to a month. When you want to eat it, just cook from frozen and add about 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time.

Creative Variations

Though this beefy pizza tastes great as is, you might want to throw on some thin-sliced red onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add veggies. For some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking or mix some Italian sausage with your beef. You can also top it with fresh basil or oregano after cooking for a bright, fresh taste.

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Serving Suggestions

This filling pizza goes really well with a basic green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness. To make it a full meal, add some garlic bread or start with a light soup. Grown-ups might enjoy it with a cold beer or medium-bodied red wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap fresh beef for cooked?

Sure thing! Just season pre-cooked beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to boost its taste before adding it to your dish.

→ What cheese combo makes it best?

Mixing sharp cheddar with creamy mozzarella gives the perfect mix of tangy and melty goodness.

→ Can I make my own crust?

Of course! Fresh homemade dough pairs perfectly with all the cheesy, beefy toppings.

→ What temp should I bake at?

Set it at 425°F (220°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes to get bubbly melted cheese and browned edges.

→ How can I spice things up?

Toss in some red pepper flakes, or use hot sauce on the sauce or after it’s baked for an extra kick.