Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Bread Recipe

Indulge in a slice of comfort with our Meat Lovers Pizza Bread — a savory twist on the classic pizza that’s perfect for sharing on any occasion. Picture a warm, cheesy loaf filled with flavorful ground beef, zesty pepperoni, and a gooey layer of provolone and mozzarella cheeses. This crowd-pleaser is a game-changer for gatherings, movie nights, or whenever that craving for a hearty, cheesy delight hits.

The first time I whipped up this Meat Lovers Pizza Bread, it was an instant hit with my family and friends. As it baked, the aroma of bubbling cheese and aromatic herbs filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in. The best part? Watching the strings of melted cheese pull apart as you take that first delicious bite. Topped with a crispy Parmesan crust and served with a side of warm pizza sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and make this Meat Lovers Pizza Bread your own. Whether you switch up the meats, cheeses, or herbs, this recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences. So, gather your loved ones, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home!

Quick Benefits

  • Perfect recipe for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss
  • Offers a hearty, cheesy, and meaty alternative to classic pizza
  • Versatile – can be customized with different meats, cheeses, and fillings
  • Leftovers stay fresh for up to three days and freeze well for future enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Bread Recipe Recipe

  • Cheesy and Hearty Delight: This recipe combines all the best elements of a classic meat lovers pizza – savory beef, pepperoni, and melty cheese – into one easy-to-share loaf.
  • Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a group with minimal effort, making it ideal for game day, movie nights, or whenever you’re craving pizza in a new form.
  • Irresistible Aroma: The smell while baking will have everyone gathering around, eagerly waiting to dig in, making it a perfect option for gatherings or family nights.
  • Cheese Pull Goals: Watching the cheese stretch as you pull apart a slice is an ultimate satisfaction, creating a mouthwatering and irresistible experience.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences, allowing you to tailor the recipe to suit your taste.
  • Make-Ahead and Reheatable: Leftovers stay fresh for up to three days, and can be easily reheated for a quick meal or snack, making it a convenient option for busy days.
  • Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the stromboli-like shape, making it a beloved dish for family meals, lunches, or even party platters.
  • Midwest Classic with a Twist: Inspired by American pizza parlor fare from the nineties, this recipe offers a nostalgic yet innovative take on traditional pizza flavors.
  • Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality jarred pizza sauce is key to achieving a flavorful and moist bread, ensuring that every bite is delicious and satisfying.
  • Robust Meaty Flavor: The combination of cooked lean ground beef and thin-sliced pepperoni inside the dough provides a rich and satisfying taste that meat lovers will adore.

Ingredients for Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Bread Recipe

Main Components

  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
  • 100 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 225 grams lean ground beef
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 1 jar (about 400 grams) pizza sauce, divided
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 60 grams thinly sliced pepperoni (approximately 30 grams or 1/3 cup)

Pro Tips for Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Bread Recipe

To make the Meat Lovers Pizza Bread successfully, ensure to use high-quality jarred pizza sauce for the best flavor. The rich tomato taste with a tangy kick will elevate the dish and prevent it from becoming dry. Remember to layer some of the pizza sauce inside with the fillings and reserve some for heating and serving on the side for dipping.

For a beautiful crust and added flavor, brush the wrapped dough with melted butter before baking and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and oregano. This step will create a golden, savory finish that complements the gooey cheese and meaty fillings perfectly. Experiment with different meat and cheese combinations to suit your preferences, such as swapping out the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage or trying Monterey Jack cheese for a milder flavor profile.

How to Make Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

Step 2: Prepare Beef Filling

Cook ground beef with dried oregano, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring often. Remove excess fat.

Step 3: Combine Sauce with Beef

Let the cooked beef cool slightly before mixing in 80 milliliters (about 1/3 cup) of pizza sauce.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Place the pizza dough on a baking sheet with shallow sides.

Step 5: Layer Fillings

Spread 120 milliliters (about 1/2 cup) pizza sauce down the center of the dough. Layer provolone, pepperoni, prepared beef, and mozzarella over the sauce.

Step 6: Braid Dough Strips

Cut the dough into 2.5 cm intervals on both sides towards the filling. Fold the strips alternately over the center to cover the toppings.

Step 7: Butter and Season

Brush melted butter on the loaf’s surface, then evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan and the rest of the oregano on top.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and cooked.

Step 9: Serve with Sauce

Heat up the leftover pizza sauce and serve it as a dipping sauce with the bread.

Storage Tips

Once the Meat Lovers Pizza Bread has been baked and cooled completely, it’s important to store any leftovers properly. Wrap the leftover pizza bread tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator. The pizza bread can stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. When ready to enjoy again, reheat the bread in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten minutes until warm and crisp. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them well and reheating after thawing.

This recipe offers versatility in ingredients for customization. If you don’t have provolone, you can use all mozzarella or try Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Additionally, ground beef can be substituted with spicy Italian sausage or cooked ground turkey for a variation in taste. Feel free to personalize the toppings by adding olives or switching the pepperoni for Canadian bacon. The Meat Lovers Pizza Bread can be served as a main dish with sides like a green salad and roasted vegetables, or cut into strips for a party platter with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Leftover slices make a satisfying addition to lunchboxes the following day, providing a delicious and convenient meal option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing provolone, feel free to use all mozzarella or try Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. In place of lean ground beef, you can substitute spicy Italian sausage or cooked ground turkey to add a different taste to your Meat Lovers Pizza Bread. For variation, consider adding olives or swapping the pepperoni for Canadian bacon to customize the meat selection based on your preferences.

Experimenting with different cheese combinations is another way to personalize this recipe. Feel free to try various cheese blends that you enjoy, such as cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Mixing and matching cheeses can add depth of flavor and create a unique twist on the classic meat lovers pizza bread.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving Meat Lovers Pizza Bread, consider slicing it into individual portions and arranging them on a wooden board alongside small ramekins of warmed pizza sauce and ranch dressing for dipping. This presentation is perfect for a casual gathering or game day spread, allowing guests to enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness with their favorite dips.

Another creative idea is to turn the Meat Lovers Pizza Bread into a meal on-the-go by slicing it into handheld portions and wrapping each slice in parchment paper. Pack them in a picnic basket or lunchbox along with some fresh fruit and veggies for a satisfying and portable lunch option. The individually wrapped slices make it easy to enjoy the pizza bread wherever you are, whether on a picnic in the park or a quick bite at work.

FAQs for Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Bread Recipe

Can I customize this recipe with different meat or cheese?

Absolutely! Swap ground beef or pepperoni for your favorites, or try different cheese blends according to your taste.

How should I store and reheat leftover Meat Lovers Pizza Bread?

Once cooled completely, wrap leftover pizza bread tightly in foil or place in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days and reheats best in a toaster oven or regular oven for about ten minutes at 350 degrees until warm and crisp. Freezing slices individually works well for lunches or snacks—just thaw and reheat.

What can I do if I don’t have provolone cheese or ground beef?

If you don’t have provolone, use all mozzarella or try Monterey Jack for a mild bite. For ground beef, you can use spicy Italian sausage or cooked ground turkey as a flavorful swap.

How can I create a visually appealing braided bread appearance with this recipe?

Cut 1-inch strips along the dough and cross them over the filling for a braided bread appearance before baking.

Conclusion

I hope this Meat Lovers Pizza Bread recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. The satisfaction of pulling apart that warm, cheesy slice is a joy that never gets old. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations to suit your taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different meats, cheeses, or even dipping sauces to make it your own.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of Meat Lovers Pizza Bread. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick dinner idea, or simply craving some cheesy goodness, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Share it with your loved ones and watch their faces light up with delight as they savor each bite of this flavorful and comforting dish. Happy baking, and enjoy every moment of indulging in your homemade Meat Lovers Pizza Bread!

Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Bread Recipe

Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Bread Recipe

“Cheesy, meaty, and oh-so-hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Bread – a stromboli-inspired crowd-pleaser that’s a game day must-have or a fun twist on movie night munchies!”
Prep Time20 Minutes
Cook Time25 Minutes
Total Time45 Minutes
CuisineAmerican-Italian
Skill LevelEasy
Servings6 Servings (1 loaf)

Ingredients

Main Components

  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
  • 100 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 225 grams lean ground beef
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 1 jar (about 400 grams) pizza sauce, divided
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 60 grams thinly sliced pepperoni (approximately 30 grams or 1/3 cup)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  2. Prepare Beef Filling: Cook ground beef with dried oregano, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring often. Remove excess fat.
  3. Combine Sauce with Beef: Let the cooked beef cool slightly before mixing in 80 milliliters (about 1/3 cup) of pizza sauce.
  4. Shape the Dough: Place the pizza dough on a baking sheet with shallow sides.
  5. Layer Fillings: Spread 120 milliliters (about 1/2 cup) pizza sauce down the center of the dough. Layer provolone, pepperoni, prepared beef, and mozzarella over the sauce.
  6. Braid Dough Strips: Cut the dough into 2.5 cm intervals on both sides towards the filling. Fold the strips alternately over the center to cover the toppings.
  7. Butter and Season: Brush melted butter on the loaf’s surface, then evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan and the rest of the oregano on top.
  8. Bake Until Golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and cooked.
  9. Serve with Sauce: Heat up the leftover pizza sauce and serve it as a dipping sauce with the bread.