Homemade Pizza

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of homemade pizza with this hearty and zesty recipe from Marianne Edwards of Lake Stevens, Washington. This recipe yields two pizzas with a crisp golden crust, allowing you to customize the toppings to suit your family’s preferences. With a combination of ground beef, onion, tomato sauce, spices, green pepper, and melted mozzarella cheese, this homemade pizza is a delicious and satisfying main dish that will please everyone at the table.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1¼ cups warm water (110° to 115°)
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 3 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

PREPARATION:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it stand for 5 minutes. Add the oil and salt. Stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 2-3 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
3. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Press each portion into a greased 12-inch pizza pan. Combine the tomato sauce, oregano, and basil; spread it over each crust. Top with the cooked beef mixture, diced green pepper, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake the pizzas at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned.

YIELD: Makes 2 pizzas (3 servings each)

PREP/COOK TIME: 50 minutes total

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, meats, or additional cheeses.
• If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese on top of the finished pizza for an extra kick of flavor.
• To ensure a crisp crust, preheat your oven and pizza pans before placing the dough in them.
• Let the pizzas cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

TIPS:

• For a lighter option, you can use whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the dough.
• Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or feta to add unique flavors to your homemade pizza.
• If you prefer a thin crust, divide the dough into three portions instead of two and roll it out thinner.
• Leftover pizza can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Simply place it in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through.

Enjoy the flavors of a homemade pizza with this delicious recipe from Marianne Edwards of Lake Stevens, Washington. The recipe yields two pizzas with a golden, crispy crust that serves as the canvas for a mouthwatering combination of ground beef, onion, tomato sauce, spices, green pepper, and melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight meal or a fun activity to do with the family, making homemade pizza is always a hit. Customize the toppings to suit your taste, and savor the delightful flavors of this homemade creation. Serve it piping hot and enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.