Few things are as universally loved as a hot, cheesy pizza fresh from the oven — and this Ground Beef Pizza with Mozzarella is no exception. It combines the hearty savoriness of seasoned ground beef with a gooey layer of melted mozzarella, all on top of a crisp, golden crust.

This pizza celebrates simplicity and flavor. The juicy ground beef adds richness and protein, while the mozzarella gives that irresistible stretch and creamy texture. A tangy tomato sauce ties it all together, and the aroma of baked dough, herbs, and cheese fills the kitchen — an irresistible invitation to dig in.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Ground Beef Pizza because it’s:

• Homemade and hearty, yet quick enough for a busy evening.
• Bursting with comforting Italian flavors — savory beef, melted cheese, and fragrant herbs.
• Customizable — you can load it with veggies, extra cheese, or spice it up with chili flakes.
• Kid- and crowd-friendly — it’s always a hit with everyone.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Combines classic pizza flavor with a protein-packed topping.
• Ready in under 45 minutes — faster than delivery!
• Perfect for family dinners, parties, or game nights.
• Offers restaurant-quality taste made easily at home.

It’s not just pizza — it’s comfort, creativity, and connection all in one slice.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per slice (based on 8 slices per pizza)

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough (optional, or use store-bought):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

(If using store-bought dough, skip this section.)

For the Toppings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix and knead until a smooth dough forms (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

(If using store-bought dough, skip to Step 2.)

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 6–8 minutes).
3. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and soft (2–3 minutes).
4. Stir in oregano, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness (about 12 inches wide).
3. Transfer to parchment paper for easy handling.
4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch from the edges.
5. Add the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the sauce.
6. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese and a little Parmesan if desired.

Step 4: Bake

1. Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the preheated baking sheet or stone.
2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes.
2. Top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
3. Slice and serve hot!

How to Serve

Serve Ground Beef Pizza with Mozzarella fresh from the oven, paired with:

• A green salad (Caesar or arugula salad pairs perfectly).
• Garlic breadsticks or cheesy dip on the side.
• A refreshing sparkling drink or glass of lemonade.

For parties, slice it into small squares and serve as finger food!

Recipe Tips

• Preheat your oven fully before baking for a crisp crust.
• Don’t overload toppings, or your crust may turn soggy.
• Drain beef fat well to avoid a greasy pizza.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for the perfect melt and stretch.
• For a smoky touch, grill the pizza for the last 2 minutes of baking.

Recipe Variations

• Margherita-Style Beef Pizza: Add sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
• Spicy Beef Pizza: Use spicy tomato sauce and add jalapeños.
• Loaded Veggie Beef Pizza: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
• Three-Cheese Pizza: Combine mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar.
• Cheeseburger Pizza: Add ketchup, pickles, and a drizzle of mustard before serving!

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer (Baked): Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
• Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble the pizza (without baking) and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Rolling pin
• Skillet for browning beef
• Parchment paper
• Pizza cutter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked pizza crust?
Yes! Pre-baked crusts like naan, pita, or flatbread work great for quick versions.

Q2: What’s the best cheese for this pizza?
Low-moisture mozzarella gives the perfect melt, but you can mix in provolone or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

Q3: Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter but equally flavorful version.

Q4: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust base.

Q5: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the pizza (without baking) and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Pizza with Mozzarella is the perfect homemade comfort food — a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish that delivers classic Italian flavors in every bite. The savory beef pairs beautifully with melty mozzarella and herby tomato sauce, creating a pizza that’s both indulgent and irresistible.

Whether it’s for a family dinner, movie night, or weekend treat, this pizza brings people together and fills your home with the warmth of good food and great company.