If you are craving a bold, flavor-packed dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, the Spicy Ground Beef Pizza with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe is exactly what you need. This pizza brings together a beautifully chewy homemade crust, sizzling ground beef seasoned with smoky spices, melty mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses, and the perfect kick from pickled jalapeños. The crowning glory is the drizzle of sweet and fiery hot honey that cuts through the heat with a brilliant balance, turning every slice into a mouthwatering celebration of taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to making a pizza you’ll want to make again and again. These simple, everyday essentials each play a crucial role—from building the dough’s resilience and softness to layering rich, spicy, and vibrant toppings that sing in harmony.
- Bread flour, 2 cups: Gives your dough that ideal chewy texture every great pizza crust needs.
- Instant yeast, 1 teaspoon: Ensures your dough rises beautifully and effortlessly.
- Sugar, 1 teaspoon: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to balance flavors.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the tastes and strengthens the dough structure.
- Warm water, 2/3 cup: Activates the yeast and brings everything together.
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons, divided: Adds moisture to the dough and richness when sautéing beef.
- Ground beef, 9 ounces: The hearty and spicy centerpiece of our toppings.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Builds classic savory depth and sweetness.
- Garlic cloves, 2 minced: Provides aromatic punch and warmth.
- Tomato paste, 1 tablespoon: Concentrated tomato flavor that binds the beef mixture.
- Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon: Adds a rich smokey undertone.
- Chili powder, 1 teaspoon: Boosts the heat and complexity perfectly.
- Ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon: Gives subtle earthiness that rounds the spices.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon: Adjustable to taste, for that desired spicy kick.
- Freshly ground black pepper and salt: To season the beef mixture to perfection.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 7 ounces: Gooey, stretchy, and mild—ideal for pizza contrasts.
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese, 2 ounces: Sharpness balances the creamy mozzarella and spices.
- Pickled jalapeños, 2 tablespoons, sliced (optional): Brings bright acidity and heat with a tangy crunch.
- Hot honey, 2 tablespoons: Sweet, spicy, and vibrantly sticky to finish the pizza beautifully.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional): Adds fresh herbal brightness as garnish.
How to Make Spicy Ground Beef Pizza with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the warm water and a tablespoon of olive oil, then stir until it forms a rough dough. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead vigorously for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place this beautiful dough ball into a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size. This step develops that perfect chewy crust foundation.
Step 2: Cook the Spicy Ground Beef Topping
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Now add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon, and brown it nicely. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let all those spices mingle and cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes before taking the pan off the heat. This savory, spicy beef mixture is the heartbeat of your pizza.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Crank your oven up to 480°F to get it piping hot so the crust will bake quickly and crisp perfectly. If you have a pizza stone, set it inside to heat up as well; this mimics a professional pizza oven’s blistering base.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently, and roll or stretch it out into a 12-inch circle. Whether you use a parchment-lined baking sheet or a floured pizza peel, make sure to transfer the dough carefully without tearing. This will be your blank canvas for the toppings.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the spicy ground beef topping evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for that golden crust to form. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. Add sliced pickled jalapeños if you love an extra punch of acidity and spice. This layered masterpiece is almost ready for the oven.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Slide your pizza into the hot oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust turns golden brown, and the cheeses are molten and bubbling invitingly.
Step 7: Finish with Hot Honey and Garnish
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey over the top while it’s still piping warm. Add freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor if you like. Slice it up and prepare yourself for a sensational bite.
How to Serve Spicy Ground Beef Pizza with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like a drizzle of hot honey and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley make a dramatic flavor difference. The fresh herbs add brightness, while the hot honey caramelizes slightly against the warm cheese, creating a sweet-spicy balance that keeps you coming back for more.
Side Dishes
Pair this spicy powerhouse with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad to cool the palate. For heartier sides, roasted veggies or garlic bread work beautifully alongside the rich pizza flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Spicy Ground Beef Pizza with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe as individual mini pizzas or flatbreads, perfect for sharing at parties. Or transform leftovers into a spicy pizza sandwich—fold a slice in half with some extra hot honey drizzle for an irresistible handheld snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. It stays best for up to 3 days, preserving the vibrant flavors and texture as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze baked pizza slices by wrapping each piece individually with plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. For best quality, consume within 1 to 2 months. This is perfect for busy days when you want a ready-made spicy treat.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crisp crust and melt the cheese again, or bake at 375°F for about 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from turning soggy and enjoy every bit of that spicy, cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance, refrigerating it overnight to develop even more flavor. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping to make it easier to work with.
Is there a substitute for bread flour?
All-purpose flour can be used, but the dough might be slightly less chewy. Bread flour’s higher protein content helps develop that classic pizza crust texture.
How spicy is this pizza?
The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted by increasing or reducing the crushed red pepper flakes and jalapeños. The hot honey helps to balance the heat with sweetness, making it approachable yet exciting.
Can I use a store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works great for saving time. Just make sure to roll it out to your desired thickness and follow the same topping and baking instructions for a terrific result.
What can I use if I don’t have hot honey?
You can create a quick substitute by warming honey with a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to infuse that sweet-heat combo. Drizzle it on just like the original hot honey for a similar flavor punch.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite as satisfying as pulling a fresh, spicy, and perfectly balanced pizza out of your own oven, especially one as vibrant and delicious as the Spicy Ground Beef Pizza with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe. It is a joyful blend of flavors that’s sure to impress family, friends, or just yourself on a cozy night in. So roll up your sleeves, grab these ingredients, and treat yourself to a dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Spicy Ground Beef Pizza with Hot Honey and Jalapeños Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spicy Ground Beef Pizza features a flavorful homemade bread flour crust topped with a seasoned ground beef mixture, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and a drizzle of hot honey. With smoky and spicy seasonings including smoked paprika, chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes, this pizza delivers a perfect balance of heat and savory richness. Ideal for a quick and satisfying homemade dinner, it combines simple pantry ingredients into a bold, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spicy Ground Beef Topping
- 9 ounces ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheeses and Garnishes
- 7 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, mix together bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Cook Spicy Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned throughout. Mix in tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the spices are aromatic. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 480°F (250°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat while the oven preheats.
- Shape Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a floured pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
- Assemble Pizza: Evenly spread the cooked spicy ground beef mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated sharp cheddar evenly over the beef. Add sliced pickled jalapeños if desired for extra heat.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven (on the baking sheet or slide onto the heated pizza stone). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-spicy finish. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if you like. Slice the pizza and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and jalapeños to control the level of spiciness.
- Using a pizza stone helps create a crispier crust but a baking sheet works well too.
- Hot honey adds a unique sweet heat which can be replaced with regular honey if preferred.
- Rest the cooked beef mixture before assembling to prevent making the dough soggy.
- You can prepare the dough and beef mixture ahead of time to make assembly faster on serving day.
