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Meatball Pizza

Meatball Pizza

This Meatball Pizza recipe combines a crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and juicy homemade meatballs packed with Italian herbs for an ultimate comfort food experience. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners or pizza nights with friends, offering a customizable and flavorful meal bursting with savory goodness in every slice.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Pizza Base and Toppings

  • 1 batch pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, enough for one 12-inch pizza)
  • 1/2 cup rich tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Roll the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or pan-fry until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure a crispy crust. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness—ideally medium-thick for a chewy yet crispy base. Transfer the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
  3. Assemble the Pizza: Spread a generous but even layer of tomato sauce over the rolled pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly across the surface. Arrange the cooked meatballs evenly on top so that each slice will have some. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and drizzle olive oil lightly over the crust.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp, the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned, and the meatballs are fully warmed through. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
  5. Add Fresh Garnishes and Serve: After baking, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the pizza for a bright flavor and visual appeal. Add red pepper flakes if desired for some heat. Slice and serve hot for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Make meatballs small for even cooking and perfect fit on each slice.
  • If possible, bake on a pizza stone for the crispiest crust.
  • Do not overload sauce to avoid soggy crust; spread evenly but sparingly.
  • Let dough rest at room temperature before stretching to prevent tearing.
  • Brush crust with olive oil before baking to add flavor and avoid dryness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Meatball pizza, homemade pizza, Italian pizza, comfort food, easy pizza recipe, pizza night