The Best Meatball Pizza Recipe: Juicy Homemade Meatballs and a Perfectly Crispy Crust

If you’re a fan of rich, savory flavors and the undeniable comfort of pizza, this Meatball Pizza Recipe is about to become your go-to. Imagine biting into a crispy, golden crust topped with juicy, homemade meatballs, smothered in gooey mozzarella cheese and seasoned to perfection. It’s so good, you might just want to slap your mama! Okay, maybe not, but this pizza will definitely leave you and your family satisfied and eager for more.

Photo byThisSillyGirlsKitchen.com

I stumbled upon this recipe from This Silly Girl's Kitchen and just had to share it with you all. The homemade meatballs are the real star here – made with lean ground beef, Parmesan, and just the right blend of spices. Paired with a crispy crust, it’s the perfect blend of hearty and indulgent. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be hard to go back to regular pizza!

A Dish That Packs a Punch of Flavor

This meatball pizza combines classic Italian flavors with a fun, casual twist. The tender, juicy meatballs pair so well with the melty mozzarella and tangy pizza sauce, all atop a crispy, golden crust. The combination of herbs like oregano and basil adds that authentic Italian touch, while the garlic powder and Parmesan cheese elevate every bite.

This pizza recipe has a special place in my heart. I first tried making this with a group of friends at a weekend gathering, and ever since, it’s become a staple at our family pizza nights. Each time we bake it, the aroma of the homemade meatballs roasting in the oven fills the kitchen with a warm, savory scent that draws everyone in.

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The Story Behind Meatball Pizza

Pizza itself has a rich history, originating in Naples, Italy, and evolving over the centuries. While traditional pizzas often focus on simple toppings like tomatoes and mozzarella, meatball pizza adds a hearty, American twist to the classic Italian dish. It's believed to have emerged from Italian-American cuisine, where combining pasta classics like meatballs with pizza became a fan-favorite.

Fun fact: pizza was first sold in the U.S. in the early 1900s, and since then, the variety of toppings has grown into the diverse options we see today. Meatball pizza is one of those crave-worthy creations that bridges the gap between traditional Italian fare and all-out comfort food.

How to Make the Best Meatball Pizza

To get started, you’ll need some essential ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 pizza dough balls, 16 ounces each
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 pound shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, basil, and oregano. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Roll the mixture into meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared tray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Prepare the crust: Lightly spray a 14-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. Take one of the dough balls and stretch it out to fit the pan. If the dough shrinks back, let it rest for a few minutes before trying again.
5. Pierce the dough with a fork all over and brush it with ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Prebake the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly browned.
6. Assemble the pizza: Cut the baked meatballs in half. Spread ½ cup of pizza sauce over the crust, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with ¼ of the mozzarella cheese, half of the sliced meatballs, and then another layer of cheese. Sprinkle dried oregano and garlic powder on top.
7. Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Let the pizza cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Repeat the process with the second dough ball to make a second pizza.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pizza

• Rest the dough: If the dough is difficult to stretch, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps it relax and makes it easier to shape.
• Meatball Variations: For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Vegetarians can substitute the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or roasted vegetables.
• Extra Cheese Love: For an extra cheesy experience, try adding some shredded provolone along with the mozzarella.

Pairing Suggestions

This hearty pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or a light, tangy coleslaw. For drinks, consider serving it with a cold beer or a glass of Italian red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, to complement the rich flavors of the meatballs and cheese.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to make, delicious, and sure to please the whole family, this Meatball Pizza Recipe is the answer. Not only is it packed with flavor, but the homemade meatballs make it feel extra special. Let me know in the comments if you give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with your friends!

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