This recipe for homemade pizza is a crowd-pleasing favorite, featuring a hearty and zesty main dish with a crisp golden crust. Marianne Edwards from Lake Stevens, Washington, shares this delicious recipe that allows you to customize the toppings based on your family’s preferences.

Homemade pizza is a culinary delight that allows you to unleash your creativity and indulge in the art of crafting your own personalized pie. From kneading the dough to selecting the perfect combination of toppings, every step of the process is an opportunity to infuse your pizza with flavors that cater to your unique preferences.

Homemade pizza is not just a meal; it is a labor of love that brings joy and satisfaction to those who partake in its creation. Whether you gather with loved ones to share slices or savor it solo, each bite is a celebration of your culinary prowess and a reminder that sometimes the most delicious experiences can be found right in your own kitchen.

PREP: 25 MIN. + RISING

BAKE: 25 MIN

MAKES: 2 PIZZAS (3 SERVINGS EACH) 1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast

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

INSTRUCTIONS

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This pizza recipe makes two 12-inch pizzas, with each pizza serving approximately 3 servings.
• Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. You can add additional vegetables, different types of cheeses, or your favorite pizza sauce.
• Pizzerias in New York often provide red pepper flakes, oregano, and Parmesan cheese as condiments for their customers to add to their slices.
• To eat the pizza like a New Yorker, fold the wedge in half to enjoy it like a sandwich.

Enjoy the homemade pizza with its delicious flavors and crispy crust!