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#### **Store-Bought Pizza Dough**
If you’re short on time or don’t feel like making dough from scratch, store-bought pizza dough can be a great option. Many grocery stores carry fresh or frozen dough that only needs to be rolled out and baked. Just be sure to choose a high-quality dough that will hold up to the toppings and give you that satisfying crust.
### 2. **Pizza Sauce**
A good pizza sauce sets the stage for all the other ingredients. While you can use a store-bought sauce, making your own from scratch adds a personal touch to the pizza.
#### **Homemade Pizza Sauce**
A homemade pizza sauce is quick and easy to make with **tomato paste**, **canned tomatoes**, **garlic**, **olive oil**, **dried oregano**, and **basil**. Simply sauté the garlic in olive oil, add the tomatoes and seasonings, and simmer the sauce until it thickens. This simple sauce brings out a fresh, tangy flavor that complements the meat and cheese.
#### **Store-Bought Sauce**
If you’re pressed for time, there are plenty of good-quality pizza sauces available in stores. Look for one that is rich in flavor and not overly sweet or salty.
### 3. **Cheese**
For a traditional pizza, you’ll want to use **mozzarella cheese** as the base. **Whole-milk mozzarella** melts beautifully and creates that irresistible, gooey cheese pull that makes pizza so satisfying. For added flavor, you can mix in a little **cheddar** or **parmesan** cheese.
#### **Fresh Mozzarella vs. Shredded Mozzarella**
Fresh mozzarella provides a creamier, more delicate flavor and texture, but it can release more moisture when it melts. If you prefer a firmer, more consistent melt, **shredded mozzarella** works best. Both options will deliver excellent results, so choose based on your texture preference.
### 4. **Meats**
The star ingredients of this pizza are the **pepperoni** and **ground beef**.
#### **Pepperoni**
Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping that adds a zesty, spicy kick. You can opt for traditional **beef** or **pork-based pepperoni**, or even turkey pepperoni if you’re looking for a leaner alternative. Slicing the pepperoni thinly allows it to crisp up nicely in the oven, adding texture and flavor to your pizza.
#### **Ground Beef**
Ground beef brings a savory, hearty element to the pizza. When cooked and seasoned properly, it adds richness and depth of flavor. Use **85/15 ground beef** for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. You can season the beef with **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **oregano**, **salt**, and **pepper** to enhance the flavor.
### 5. **Optional Toppings**
While pepperoni and beef are the main attractions, you can customize your pizza by adding extra toppings. Some popular options include:
– **Mushrooms** for an earthy flavor
– **Green bell peppers** for a crunchy, fresh element
– **Onions** for sweetness and crunch
– **Olives** for a briny, salty bite
– **Fresh basil** for a burst of herbal flavor after baking
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## Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Pepperoni & Beef Pizza
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s break down the steps to make **Homemade Pepperoni & Beef Pizza** from start to finish.
### 1. **Prepare the Pizza Dough**
If you’re making dough from scratch, here’s how to do it:
1. In a bowl, combine **2 ½ cups all-purpose flour**, **1 teaspoon salt**, and **1 tablespoon sugar**. In a separate bowl, mix **1 packet active dry yeast** with **1 cup warm water** (around 110°F) and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add the yeast mixture and **2 tablespoons olive oil** to the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. If you prefer a thicker crust, leave it slightly thicker. If you like a thinner, crispier crust, roll it out thin.
### 2. **Cook the Ground Beef**
While the dough is rising, prepare the ground beef:
1. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **ground beef** and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat and add your seasonings—**salt**, **pepper**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and **oregano**. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Set the beef aside to cool.
### 3. **Prepare the Sauce**
To make the pizza sauce, simply heat a tablespoon of **olive oil** in a saucepan over medium heat. Add **2 minced garlic cloves** and cook until fragrant. Add **1 can crushed tomatoes** (14.5 ounces), **1 tablespoon tomato paste**, and **1 teaspoon dried oregano**. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes to thicken, then season with **salt**, **pepper**, and a pinch of **sugar** if desired.
### 4. **Assemble the Pizza**
Now that your dough, sauce, beef, and toppings are ready, it’s time to assemble the pizza:
1. Preheat your oven to **475°F (245°C)**.
2. Spread the pizza dough out onto a pizza stone or baking sheet, ensuring it’s evenly shaped.
3. Spread a thin layer of your homemade pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
4. Sprinkle a generous amount of **mozzarella cheese** over the sauce.
5. Add a layer of **ground beef** and **pepperoni slices** evenly over the cheese.
6. Top with additional cheese, if desired, and sprinkle with **parmesan** or **cheddar** for extra richness.
### 5. **Bake the Pizza**
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for **12-15 minutes**, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. If you like your pepperoni crispy, you can broil the pizza for an additional minute or two at the end of baking.
### 6. **Serve and Enjoy**
Once your pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Slice and serve your **Homemade Pepperoni & Beef Pizza** with your favorite sides, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
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## Conclusion: A Perfectly Loaded Pizza
**Homemade Pepperoni & Beef Pizza** is the perfect combination of hearty meat, gooey cheese, and a crispy, flavorful crust. By choosing the best ingredients and taking the time to make your dough and sauce from scratch, you can elevate the humble pizza to a gourmet experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this pizza will satisfy your cravings and impress everyone who tries it.
With endless opportunities to personalize your pizza, this recipe serves as a fantastic base for your culinary creativity. Add your favorite toppings, experiment with different cheeses, and enjoy the process of making a meal from scratch. Happy pizza-making!
