I’ve got a super yummy recipe for you – Meatball Pizza. Imagine combining two of the best foods ever into one delicious, cheesy, meaty dish.
That’s right, we’re taking the juicy, flavor-packed meatballs and scattering them atop a crispy crust smothered in gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce. Meatball Pizza is just plain mouthwatering!
It’s like having an Italian feast right in your own kitchen. I don’t think pizza can get any better than this.
Making this meatball pizza recipe is a fun activity for a Friday night or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Pro tip: get the kids involved! Lily really loved making this pizza with me. Even Jeremy joined in! Between making the meatballs and making the pizza dough, I don’t know which was more fun.
It’s a fantastic way to shake up pizza night and impress your family with something a little different. Fresh pizza dough and meatballs are always a showstopper.
Make sure you save that recipe card below. I’ll be really surprised if this isn’t one of the new favorites in your house. Actual meatballs on pizza? You can’t go wrong!
So, let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering meatball pizza that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Some of our other favorite pizza recipes we have on our site include: Easy Pizza Sliders Recipe (Pepperoni & Sausage), Easy Pizza Sandwich Recipe (Grilled Cheese), and Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Easy and Fun: A straightforward recipe that’s fun to make, especially when making your own pizza dough and rolling the meatballs.
- Great for Leftovers: A clever way to use up leftover meatballs and make a new meal.
- Family Favorite: Sure to be a hit at any family dinner, pleasing both kids and adults.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Lean ground beef
- Large egg
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
HOW TO MAKE MEATBALL PIZZA:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, set aside.
- Place the ground beef, egg, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, basil, and oregano in a large bowl. Mix well to combine, I like to use my hands to do this.
- Take 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it in your hands to form a ball. Place on the prepared sheet tray, not touching. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, and they reach 165°F internal temperature. Let cool on the counter while you prepare the crust.
- Lightly spray a 14-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. Add 1 of the pizza dough balls into the center of the pan. Gently stretch it out to be the same size as the pan. If you find the dough is shrinking back, you can let the dough rest for 5 minutes then stretch it out again.
- Take a fork and pierce the dough all over. Brush ½ tablespoon of olive oil over the dough. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Cut the meatballs in half and set aside.
- Add ½ cup pizza sauce onto the dough and spread it out, leaving a half-inch border along the edge. Top with ¼ of the cheese. Add half of the sliced meatballs. Top with another ¼ of the cheese. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon dried oregano on top and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown along the crust and the cheese is browned. Let sit for 5 minutes before cutting. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make the second pizza.
- Lightly spray a 14-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. Add 1 of the pizza dough balls into the center of the pan. Gently stretch it out to be the same size as the pan. If you find the dough is shrinking back, you can let the dough rest for 5 minutes then stretch it out again.
- Take a fork and pierce the dough all over. Brush ½ tablespoon of olive oil over the dough. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Cut the meatballs in half and set aside.
- Add ½ cup pizza sauce onto the dough and spread it out, leaving a half-inch border along the edge. Top with ¼ of the cheese. Add half of the sliced meatballs. Top with another ¼ of the cheese. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon dried oregano on top and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown along the crust and the cheese is browned. Let sit for 5 minutes before cutting. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make the second pizza.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I USE FROZEN MEATBALLS?
Absolutely! Just prepare them as directed on the package and then slice them up for your pizza.
I really love the homemade version, but I know that sometimes you’ve just gotta hit that easy button. Ha!
CAN I USE HOMEMADE PIZZA DOUGH?
Yes, homemade pizza dough adds a personal touch and can be even more delicious.
I always love the experience of making pizza dough. Feel free to use your favorite recipe or store-bought dough.
ANY ADDITIONS?
If you’re making an extra big batch, you can make more than one kind of pizza!
- Sliced red peppers or green peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Red pepper flakes for those who like it spicy.
- Cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness.
- Italian sausage for an extra meaty pizza.
- Banana peppers for a tangy flavor.
- Goat cheese or cheddar cheese for a mix of cheese flavors.
- Buffalo chicken for a spicy twist.
- Bacon pieces because bacon makes everything better.
- A drizzle of ranch dressing for a creamy finish.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
How about a meatball bacon pizza? The sky is the limit when you’re dealing with this Italian classic!
- Turkey meatballs for a leaner option.
- Vegan cheese and plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian version.
- Marinara sauce if you’re out of pizza sauce.
- Whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier crust.
- Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami flavor in the meatballs.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Prebake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings for extra crispiness.
- Use a lightly oiled bowl to let the dough rise if making from scratch for the best texture.
- Roll the meatballs into small balls so they cook evenly and fit nicely on the pizza.
- Use a pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet for a golden brown and crispy crust.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes on a wire rack to keep the crust crispy.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for new and exciting flavors.
Meatball Pizza is a dream come true for those who love hearty, comforting meals. It’s an easy dinner option that combines the best parts of Italian cuisine into one incredible dish.
Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weeknight, this pizza is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
So let’s get to it! Gather your ingredients, and let’s make some pizza magic happen. Here’s to delicious homemade meals and the joy of cooking!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this MEATBALL PIZZA, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Best Meatball Pizza Recipe (Homemade Meatballs)
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For assembly:
- 2 16 ounce pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 pound shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- fresh chopped parsley for garnish optional
- grated parmesan cheese to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper, set aside.
- Place the ground beef, egg, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, basil, and oregano in a large bowl. Mix well to combine, I like to use my hands to do this.1 pound lean ground beef, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Take 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it in your hands to form a ball. Place on the prepared sheet tray, not touching. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, and they reach 165°F internal temperature. Let cool on the counter while you prepare the crust.
- Lightly spray a 14-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. Add 1 of the pizza dough balls into the center of the pan. Gently stretch it out to be the same size as the pan. If you find the dough is shrinking back, you can let the dough rest for 5 minutes then stretch it out again.2 16 ounce pizza dough
- Take a fork and pierce the dough all over. Brush ½ tablespoon of olive oil over the dough. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly browned.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cut the meatballs in half and set aside.
- Add ½ cup pizza sauce onto the dough and spread it out, leaving a half-inch border along the edge. Top with ¼ of the cheese. Add half of the sliced meatballs. Top with another ¼ of the cheese. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon dried oregano on top and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.1 cup pizza sauce, 1 pound shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown along the crust and the cheese is browned. Let sit for 5 minutes before cutting. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make the second pizza.fresh chopped parsley for garnish, grated parmesan cheese
Notes
- Prebake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings for extra crispiness.
- Use a lightly oiled bowl to let the dough rise if making from scratch for the best texture.
- Roll the meatballs into small balls so they cook evenly and fit nicely on the pizza.
- Use a pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet for a golden brown and crispy crust.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes on a wire rack to keep the crust crispy.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for new and exciting flavors.
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