Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Bread combines the savory flavors of ground beef, pepperoni, and layers of cheese in a beautifully braided pizza dough loaf. Perfect for sharing, it’s a flavorful twist on pizza that’s ideal for game days or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 jar pizza sauce, divided (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 oz thin-sliced pepperoni (about 1/3 cup)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano (reserved)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Beef: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon oregano, garlic powder, and kosher salt until the beef is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine Beef with Sauce: Allow the cooked beef to cool slightly, then stir in 1/3 cup of the pizza sauce. Set this savory meat mixture aside.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a baking sheet and gently stretch it into a rectangle shape, ready for filling.
- Add Pizza Sauce on Dough: Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce down the center of the dough, making sure to leave the sides clear for folding.
- Layer the Fillings: On top of the sauce, layer the provolone slices first, then arrange the pepperoni, followed by the ground beef mixture, and finish with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Braid the Dough: Cut 1-inch strips down each side of the dough. Fold these strips over the filling in an alternating braided pattern to encase the ingredients beautifully.
- Brush and Season: Brush the braided dough with melted butter. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon of dried oregano for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the braid is golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Meanwhile, heat the remaining pizza sauce for dipping.
- Serve: Let the pizza bread cool for about 5 minutes. Slice and serve warm with the heated pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Make sure to drain the beef well to avoid soggy dough.
- Use a pizza stone for a crisper bottom crust if desired.
- This bread can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture.
- Feel free to swap provolone for other cheeses like cheddar or fontina for different flavor profiles.
