Meatball Pizza
This quick and easy Meatball Pizza recipe combines juicy seasoned meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese on a crispy pizza crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this flavorful, family-friendly pizza is customizable and suitable for all skill levels.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough and breadcrumbs)
For the Pizza Dough
- 1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough (enough for one 12-inch pizza)
For the Meatballs
- 1/2 lb ground beef or pork (or a combination)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pizza Assembly
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking and brushing dough)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, fresh basil, parsley for garnish
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about one inch in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs evenly on all sides, cooking through while keeping them juicy. This usually takes a few minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Pizza Base: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Place the dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet. Brush the edges lightly with olive oil to promote a golden, crispy crust.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the cooked meatballs evenly on top of the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese liberally over the meatballs and sauce to cover completely.
- Bake Your Meatball Pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza on the middle rack for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust is crispy and fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Slice into pieces, garnish with fresh herbs or additional toppings if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help meatballs bind better and cook evenly.
- Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings to prevent a soggy crust.
- Pre-cook meatballs fully to ensure they stay juicy without overcooking during baking.
- Use a high-temperature oven and a pizza stone or steel for a crispy crust every time.
- Let the pizza rest briefly after baking before slicing to keep toppings in place.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: meatball pizza, easy pizza recipe, homemade meatballs, quick dinner, family-friendly pizza, Italian pizza, gluten-free pizza option