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Meatball Pizza

Meatball Pizza

Meatball Pizza is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional pizza featuring crispy crust, savory tomato sauce, and tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is easy to customize, perfect for gatherings, and delivers a rich, comforting taste with a balance of textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

  • 1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough (about 12-inch diameter)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef (or a meatball mix of ground beef and pork)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or fresh oregano, thyme, rosemary for variation)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese & Garnishes

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for spicy kick

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped onions, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form small, bite-sized meatballs. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or pan-fry until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, stretch or roll your pizza dough into a 12-inch diameter circle. Brush the edges lightly with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy crust when baked.
  3. Add the Sauce: Spread a generous layer of crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges for the crust. This tangy base complements the savory meatballs.
  4. Layer the Cheese and Meatballs: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then place the cooked meatballs evenly on top, ensuring each slice will have a good balance of cheese and meatball.
  5. Bake the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is crisp and cheese is bubbly and golden. Monitor the pizza to prevent the meatballs from drying out.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley. Slice and serve warm. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature dough to make stretching easier without tearing.
  • Don’t overload toppings; balance meatballs and cheese to avoid soggy crust.
  • Always pre-cook meatballs to ensure they are fully cooked and juicy.
  • Bake at high heat for a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
  • Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to set the cheese for cleaner slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball pizza, homemade pizza, pizza with meatballs, Italian pizza, easy pizza recipe, gluten free pizza