Homemade Ground Beef Pizza Recipe (Crispy Crust & Savory Seasoned Beef)

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb (16 oz) pizza dough (room temperature)
• 1/2 lb (8 oz) lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup classic marinara or Italian pizza sauce
• 2 cups whole-milk shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for cooking beef & crust brushing)
• Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat Oven & Pizza Stone: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone or baking steel, place it on the middle rack and preheat for at least 30 minutes to achieve a pizzeria-grade crispy crust.
2. 2
   Brown & Season the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ground beef. Break into bite-sized crumbles with a wooden spatula. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain all excess grease completely.
3. 3
   Shape & Stretch the Dough: Dust your counter or a sheet of parchment paper with a light sprinkle of flour or fine cornmeal. Gently press and stretch the room-temperature dough into a 12-to-14-inch round circle, creating a slightly thicker outer rim for the crust.
4. 4
   Sauce and Layer the Toppings: Lightly brush the outer crust rim with a few drops of olive oil. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Scatter half of the shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef and sliced red onions. Top with the remaining mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan.
5. 5
   Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer the pizza (on parchment paper or with a floured pizza peel) onto your hot pizza stone or heavy baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and blistered with golden brown spots, and the crust is deeply crisp.
6. 6
   Rest, Slice & Serve: Let the pizza rest on a cutting board for 3–5 minutes so the cheese sets cleanly. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes. Slice into 8 triangles and enjoy hot!

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)