Meat Lovers Pizza Bread Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and absolutely packed with savory flavors, you’ll fall for Meat Lovers Pizza Bread. Imagine golden bread baked to perfection, oozing with melted cheese, pepperoni, and seasoned beef, all ready to be sliced, dipped, and devoured. This is a showstopper recipe that never fails to wow family and friends—perfect for lazy weekends or sports night spreads. Grab your ingredients and let’s create pure pizza magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Meat Lovers Pizza Bread comes together with simple, on-hand ingredients that bring big flavor and comfort. Each item truly makes a difference—whether it’s for meltiness, meaty depth, or irresistible crunch on top!

• Lean ground beef: The foundation of the “meat lovers” flair, giving the bread hearty richness and a savory bite.
• Dried oregano (divided): Adds depth and a signature Italian aroma—don’t skip this tiny but mighty herb!
• Garlic powder: Infuses each bite with that beloved garlicky warmth, quick and easy.
• Kosher salt: Brightens all the other flavors and keeps things perfectly seasoned.
• Pizza sauce (divided): The zesty sauce does double-duty, both inside the bread and as a dipping sauce on the side.
• Refrigerated pizza dough: No need for scratch dough; this shortcut delivers soft, golden crust every single time.
• Provolone cheese slices: Creamy and melty, they create a silky cheese base beneath all those toppings.
• Pepperoni (thin-sliced): All the classic pizzeria flavor and a pop of color—choose your favorite style!
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For the ideal gooey cheese pull in every slice.
• Butter (melted): Brushed on top for a glossy, rich finish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a final salty, nutty crunch that puts the loaf over the top.

How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Bread

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and positioning a rack in the center. Grab a baking sheet with shallow sides and have it ready—lining with parchment makes cleanup extra simple.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large non-stick skillet, combine your ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and fragrant. Drain any excess drippings—this little effort keeps your loaf perfectly textured and not greasy.

Step 3: Blend in the Pizza Sauce

Let the cooked beef cool for a couple of minutes, then stir in 1/3 cup of pizza sauce. This step infuses every morsel of beef with juicy flavor and prevents the filling from feeling dry.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough

Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough directly onto the prepared baking sheet. Give it a gentle stretch so it’s evenly thick—this will help everything bake uniformly and look gorgeous.

Step 5: Layer on the Fillings

Spoon about 1/2 cup of pizza sauce down the center of the dough, leaving space at the sides. Next, layer on the provolone cheese slices (they’ll melt into a dreamy base), scatter pepperoni evenly, spoon over the saucy beef, and finish with a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Braid the Dough

Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1-inch strips along both long sides, cutting slightly toward the center but not through the filling. Gently cross the strips up and over the filling, alternating sides, for a beautiful braided effect—your Meat Lovers Pizza Bread will look just as stunning as it tastes.

Step 7: Brush and Top

Brush the exposed dough with melted butter, then sprinkle over the grated Parmesan and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon oregano. This little finishing touch gives unbeatable flavor and irresistible color on top.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your bread into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a deeply golden, crisped crust and bubbling cheese peeking through. Let it cool for just five minutes before slicing—it’ll still be toasty and cheesy inside.

Step 9: Serve With Extra Sauce

While the bread is cooling, heat the rest of the pizza sauce in a small saucepan or the microwave. Slice the Meat Lovers Pizza Bread, serve it up with warm sauce on the side, and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Bread

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a flurry of chopped fresh parsley, or a scattering of crushed red pepper flakes. A little drizzle of garlic butter or a handful of sliced olives makes things pop even more—let your imagination (and taste buds) run wild!

Side Dishes

This hearty pizza bread pairs beautifully with crisp Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or a classic Italian antipasto platter to balance all that oozy cheese and savory meat. For parties, set out bowls of extra dipping sauce and some crunchy breadsticks for an all-out pizza night feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Meat Lovers Pizza Bread into smaller pieces for party platters, tucking slices into lunchboxes, or serving wedges in mini baskets lined with parchment. For brunch, top warm slices with a fried egg—yes, really! It’s an absolute showstopper however you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Meat Lovers Pizza Bread will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure the bread is fully cooled before storing, so it doesn’t get soggy from steam.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Wrap cooled slices individually and freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. This makes for speedy snacks and lunches with no fuss.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to their gooey, melty glory, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but the crust will be soft rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I use sausage or bacon instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Swap in cooked Italian sausage, bacon, or even Canadian bacon for a twist—just be sure to drain any extra fat for best results.

Can I make Meat Lovers Pizza Bread vegetarian?

Yes—simply replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite vegetarian meat substitute, and keep all the cheesy goodness!

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but if you love heat, add sliced jalapeños, spicy pepperoni, or a sprinkle of chili flakes right in with the filling for a spicy kick.

Can I prepare Meat Lovers Pizza Bread ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread (steps 1-7), cover, and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. When ready, just brush with butter, sprinkle with cheese and oregano, then bake as directed.

What’s the best way to transport this for a party?

After baking and slightly cooling, wrap the bread snugly in foil and keep it wrapped until serving. Warm slices travel well and reheat beautifully on a covered platter in the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you love cheesy, savory, utterly satisfying dinners, Meat Lovers Pizza Bread is sure to be a hit at your table. It’s fun to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to wow any crowd. Grab your skillet and dough and let’s dive into this crave-worthy creation—homemade pizza bread just became your new favorite comfort food!

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