The Ground Beef Alfredo Pizza Recipe is an irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce mingling with perfectly seasoned ground beef atop a crispy pizza crust. This pizza brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures that are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving something comforting or looking to impress guests with a unique twist on traditional pizza, this recipe offers a delightful fusion of Italian-inspired goodness with a meaty punch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to the success of this Ground Beef Alfredo Pizza Recipe. Each item plays a vital role: from the floury, stretchy dough that forms the base to the luscious Alfredo sauce that drenches every bite, and the savory ground beef that adds a hearty dimension.
- Pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, a quality dough provides the perfect crust texture that holds toppings without becoming soggy.
- Ground beef: Seasoned and browned for rich, savory flavor which forms the protein-packed heart of this pizza.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano: Classic seasonings to enhance the beef and sauce with depth and aromatic undertones.
- Heavy cream: Creamy base for the Alfredo sauce that ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps marry the flavors beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the Alfredo sauce its sharp, nutty flavor and contributes to the golden top of the pizza.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that brightens the Alfredo sauce without overpowering it.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully to create that signature gooey pizza cheese layer.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Offers a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma when sprinkled on top at the end.
How to Make Ground Beef Alfredo Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a piping hot 475 degrees Fahrenheit. For the best crust, place a pizza stone inside to heat thoroughly. This helps create a perfectly crispy bottom crust that feels like pizzeria-quality when done.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium and add your ground beef seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the pizza from becoming greasy while locking in rich, savory flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of ground nutmeg, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat. This creamy sauce forms the luxurious base layer for your pizza.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough out into a 12-inch round shape. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or, if using a pizza stone, to a pizza peel for easy transfer. The even shape ensures uniform cooking and a beautiful presentation when baked.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Evenly spread the Alfredo sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border to create a nice crust edge. Sprinkle the cooked ground beef evenly on top, then add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that golden, savory finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pizza into the oven (onto the stone if you’re using one) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns golden brown and the cheese melts thoroughly with tiny bubbles and slight browning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, take a moment to garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. This adds a fresh, vibrant note to balance the richness. Slice it up and serve immediately for an irresistible, cozy meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef Alfredo Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic choice that brightens each bite with herbal freshness. You could also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some added zing.
Side Dishes
To complement the creamy, hearty pizza, consider a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or a simple garlic bread can also round out the meal beautifully without taking attention away from the pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your pizza night by serving individual mini versions of this Ground Beef Alfredo Pizza Recipe. Alternatively, try cutting into squares for a fun party-style presentation, making it easy for everyone to grab a cheesy, meaty slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the crust from drying out and preserves the creamy Alfredo flavor for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pizza, cool it completely first. Wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. Frozen, it’ll keep for up to 2 months. This way, a delicious homemade pizza is always ready when you crave it.
Reheating
Reheat slices on a baking sheet in a preheated 375-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes to maintain crisp crust and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible as it tends to make the crust rubbery and soggy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well with the seasoning and Alfredo sauce, though it may be slightly less rich than beef.
Is homemade Alfredo sauce complicated to make?
Not at all! This recipe uses a simple combination of butter, cream, Parmesan, and nutmeg simmered just until thickened, making it approachable even for beginners.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
You can assemble the pizza, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This is convenient for busy days or when planning meals in advance.
What pizza dough is best for this recipe?
Any basic pizza dough works well, whether you make it from scratch or buy it pre-made. The key is rolling it out evenly and baking at a high temperature for that crisp crust.
Can I add vegetables to the Ground Beef Alfredo Pizza Recipe?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions would all be fantastic additions and complement the creamy Alfredo and beef flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a pizza that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty meatiness, this Ground Beef Alfredo Pizza Recipe is your ticket to homemade deliciousness. It’s simple to make yet luxuriously satisfying — perfect for cozy nights or sharing with friends. Give it a try, and you just might find your new favorite go-to pizza!
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Ground Beef Alfredo Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ground Beef Alfredo Pizza combines a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with savory browned ground beef and melted mozzarella on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Perfect for a flavorful twist on traditional pizza, it bakes quickly for a satisfying meal in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
Ground Beef Topping
- 8 oz ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Alfredo Sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pizza Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat up, which helps achieve a crispier crust.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir and crumble the beef, cooking until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch round shape. Transfer the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if you plan to bake it on the hot pizza stone.
- Assemble Pizza: Evenly spread the prepared Alfredo sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Distribute the cooked ground beef evenly on top of the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef, then finish with the additional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted and developed a light golden color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired. Slice the pizza and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crisper crust but is optional.
- Drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid soggy pizza.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
