This hearty pizza combines a golden crust with a rich blend of ground beef, pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, and ham, layered over classic tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. Optional veggies like red onions and bell peppers add a fresh balance. Seasoned with oregano and black pepper, it bakes to bubbly perfection in minutes. Ideal for those craving a satisfying, meat-forward meal that pairs well with bold wines or crisp lagers.
The smell of this pizza baking takes me back to Friday nights when my brother and I would experiment with every meat combination we could find. We once made a version so loaded it actually broke the pizza peel while transferring it to the oven.
I made this for my husbands Super Bowl party last year and watched three grown men literally fistfight over the last slice. Now it is requested for every gathering.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes or it will fight back when you try to stretch it
- Pizza sauce: Do not overload it or the crust will get soggy in the middle
- Shredded mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella adds too much moisture for this many toppings
- Cooked ground beef: Season it generously with salt and pepper while cooking
- Pepperoni: The slices will curl up and create little crispy cups of delicious grease
- Italian sausage: Remove it from the casing and crumble it before cooking
- Cooked bacon: Cook it until crispy so it does not get chewy on the pizza
- Sliced ham: Use thin deli slices so they do not overpower everything else
- Red onions: Slice them paper thin for a sweet bite that cuts through all the richness
- Bell peppers: Red peppers work best because they add natural sweetness
- Dried oregano: This ties all the Italian flavors together
- Crushed red pepper: Add more if you like heat because the cheese will mellow it out
Instructions
- Heat things up:
- Get that oven to 475°F and put your pizza stone or baking sheet inside so it gets screaming hot
- Stretch the dough:
- Roll it out on a floured surface until you have a 12 inch round then move it to parchment paper
- Layer the foundation:
- Spread the sauce leaving a half inch border for the crust to puff up
- Add the cheese blanket:
- Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly which helps hold all those heavy toppings in place
- Pile on the meats:
- Distribute the beef pepperoni sausage bacon and ham so every slice gets a bit of everything
- Add vegetables:
- Scatter the onions and peppers if using them for a fresh crunch
- Season generously:
- Sprinkle oregano red pepper flakes and black pepper all over the top
- Transfer carefully:
- Slide the parchment with the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet
- Bake to perfection:
- Let it cook 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling with brown spots
- Rest and slice:
- Wait 2 to 3 minutes before cutting so the cheese sets and does not slide off
My daughter now asks for this on her birthday instead of cake. That is how much this pizza has become part of our family story.
Getting the Perfect Crust
The secret restaurant pizza places know is that the baking surface needs to be as hot as possible. If you do not have a stone invert your baking sheet and preheat it that way.
Balancing the Meats
Each meat brings something different. Pepperoni adds spice and crisp edges while the ground beef provides a hearty base. The bacon contributes smokiness that ties everything together beautifully.
Make It Your Own
Once you master the basic formula try swapping in salami for the ham or add crumbled cooked chorizo for extra kick. The best versions often come from what is in your fridge.
- Cook any raw meat toppings before adding them to the pizza
- Drain excess grease from ground meats or the crust will get soggy
- Let the dough come to room temperature for easier stretching
This is the pizza that makes people pause between bites and say absolutely nothing at all.
Common Questions
- → What meats are included on the pizza?
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The pizza features cooked ground beef, pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, and ham for a rich meat blend.
- → Can vegetables be added to this pizza?
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Yes, sliced red onions and bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- → What is the best way to bake the pizza?
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Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- → Are there seasoning recommendations for this dish?
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Oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper enhance the flavors beautifully.
- → What drinks pair well with this pizza?
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Bold red wines or crisp lagers complement the savory meat and rich cheese flavors excellently.