Craving a delicious and easy dinner that satisfies your pizza cravings with a unique twist? Look no further! This Italian Beef Pizza recipe is a game-changer, combining the juicy tenderness of Italian beef with the satisfying crunch of a homemade pizza crust. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for a weeknight meal, and surprisingly healthy when you use the right ingredients. Get ready to elevate your pizza night with this amazing recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Italian Beef Topping:
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef (top round or sirloin work well)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), drained
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Italian Beef:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the Italian beef. In a medium saucepan, combine beef, beef broth, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Shred the beef with two forks.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread the shredded Italian beef evenly over the dough.
- Top with giardiniera, provolone cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for the Best Italian Beef Pizza:
- For a crispier crust: Preheat your pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza.
- Don't overload the pizza: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
- Use high-quality cheese: The flavor of the cheese will significantly impact the overall taste of your pizza.
- Experiment with different vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
Variations:
- Spicy Italian Beef Pizza: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Italian Beef Pizza: Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-550
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Italian Beef Pizza recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a homemade meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both quick and impressive, making it a great addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy!