Happy Pizza Friday!
At least, that’s what it is in our house… and has been on a weekly basis for a while now.
Both the concept of “Pizza Friday” and the idea of meatball pizza originated with my husband – I can’t claim any credit for either!
I had no problem adopting the tradition of making homemade pizza every Friday night, but it took me a little while to warm up to the idea of meatballs on pizza; something I had never eaten, or much less heard of. Not to be deterred, John talked me into it, and I’m so glad he did because this pizza was gooooood.
I planned ahead – as I typically do when it comes to weekly menu planning – and made spaghetti & homemade meatballs earlier in the week so we would have leftovers for the pizza.
I honestly don’t really follow an exact recipe when I make meatballs. I simply combined a pound of organic grass-fed beef with some homemade breadcrumbs, (from 1 large slice of whole wheat bread, toasted and pulsed in the food processor), salt and pepper, fresh parsley, dried Italian herbs, and a few tablespoons of homemade marinara sauce. The formed meatballs (a little bit bigger than a golfball) were browned on all sides in some olive oil, and then simmered in marinara sauce until cooked through.
Now onto the pizza!
I’m partial to Whole Foods frozen organic whole wheat pizza dough, and keep a couple of pounds on hand at all times. I know some people swear by homemade dough – and I’m all for that – but pre-made versions are so much more convenient. Just promise me you’ll try dough if you’ve been buying pre-baked crusts… which are nowhere near as good.
The thinly rolled-out dough is topped with marinara sauce, both shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese (a tip John picked up from a friend whose family owns a pizza place), and of course the sliced leftover meatballs.
The verdict? I shouldn’t second guess my husband when it comes to meal ideas. This was fantastic, and will definitely join our pizza rotation!
Meatball Pizza
| Name | Meatball Pizza |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Yield | 1 large pizza (about 12 inches) |
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or a meatball blend (beef, pork, and veal)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Pizza
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or your favorite brand)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sliced fresh mozzarella (optional)
- Sliced red bell pepper (optional)
- Sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped onion, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix the ingredients together until well combined.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Cook the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
Remove the meatballs from the oven and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Pizza
Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for your pizza dough (usually around 450°F or 230°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Assemble the Pizza
Spread a layer of pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Place the cooked meatballs evenly across the pizza.
Add slices of fresh mozzarella, red bell pepper, black olives, and fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and color.
5. Bake the Pizza
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Meatball Pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
Slice it into wedges, serve hot, and savor the delicious combination of flavors.
Homemade Meatball Pizza is a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods. With tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in a bed of gooey, melted cheese and a crisp, golden crust, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pizza perfection!
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 950mg
