Hamburger Pizza Topping

Of all the pizza toppings in the world I guess Hamburger Pizza Topping is just about my favorite.

Not just plain cooked ground beef mind you, but hamburger that is especially prepared for pizza.

The process is not difficult but it makes worlds of difference!

Hamburger Pizza Topping

1 lb. hamburger
1 small onion
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. Dried oregano

Lightly grease a skillet and place over medium heat. Peel and dice the onion and add to the skillet along with the salt. Allow the onions to sweat a few minutes.

Add the ground beef and break into pretty good-sized chunks. I like my pizza topping chunky. Sprinkle the ground beef with the garlic powder, black pepper and dried oregano.

Allow the beef to brown stirring gently so you don't break up the chunks. Drain it well.

Easy Sauce For Hamburger Pizza Topping

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste

In a medium saucepan, sauté the garlic and onions in olive oil until tender. Add the other seasonings and continue cooking a few more minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, and then the tomato paste. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

The Dough For Hamburger Pizza Topping

Homemade pizza dough is not necessary for a good homemade pizza. You can buy dough ready for the oven from most pizzerias if you will ask.

You also have the option of pizza dough from the grocery either frozen or ready for the oven.

I also like to make French bread pizzas. Just slice a baguette in half length wise and add the other ingredients as if it were pizza dough. Baking time will be shorter. Just until the cheese melts.

However if you're ambitious and would like to make your own here is a good recipe.

Homemade Pizza Dough

1 cup warm water
1 pkg. Yeast
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 1/2 Tbsp. Sugar
2 Tbsp. Oil
3 cups flour

Mix the 1 cup of warm water and the yeast and allow to sit for 5 or 10 minutes. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar and 2 tablespoons oil into the water and yeast mixture. Add the 3 cups of flour and let the mixture stand 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Makes enough for a large cookie sheet.

Pizza With Hamburger Pizza Topping

1/2 lb. hamburger pizza topping
Pizza dough
1 cup pizza sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 small green pepper, chopped
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (about 8 oz.)

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

Pat the dough out on lightly greased cookie sheet with floured fingers. Spread the pizza sauce mixture around leaving about a 1" border. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, hamburger, onion, green pepper and Mozzarella cheese.

Cook in a 425-degree oven until the cheese is light brown. Total cooking time is 20 to 25 minutes.

Sometimes I like to add sliced mushrooms and olives along with the Hamburger Pizza Topping but that's a matter of taste and completely up to you. Add the things you like.