Meatball Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic pizza that combines the savory flavors of homemade meatballs with the cheesy goodness of a traditional pizza. Perfect for a family dinner or a game night with friends, this pizza is loaded with juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The crust, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, serves as the perfect base to hold all the delicious toppings. Whether you make the meatballs from scratch or use your favorite store-bought variety, this pizza is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Distribute the cooked meatballs evenly across the pizza. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and any other desired toppings.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle dried oregano over the top for extra flavor.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Meatball Pizza!
