Go Back

Easy Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Bread

This incredible Meat Lovers Pizza Bread takes everything you love about a loaded meat lovers pizza and wraps it up in a golden, flaky crust. It’s incredibly quick to put together, seriously delicious, and perfect for slicing and sharing as a casual dinner, party appetizer, or fun snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef You could also use Italian sausage for extra flavor! (225g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano divided (1/4 tsp for beef, rest for topping)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 jar pizza sauce divided (about 1/3 cup for beef, about 1/2 cup for dough, rest for dipping)
  • 1 roll refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 ounces / 390g)
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni (56g) (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Shallow rimmed baking sheet
  • Knife or Pizza Cutter
  • Small pot or microwave-safe dish

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large nonstick skillet, brown the ground beef with half of the oregano (about 1/4 teaspoon), the garlic powder, and the kosher salt. Break up the meat as you cook. Drain off any extra fat.
  3. Step 3: Let the cooked beef cool slightly, then stir about 1/3 cup of the pizza sauce into the beef, mixing until coated.
  4. Step 4: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a shallow rimmed baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Spread about 1/2 cup of the pizza sauce down the center of the dough, leaving room at the edges. Layer the provolone slices, pepperoni, the cooked ground beef mixture, and finally, the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Use a knife or pizza cutter to make cuts about 1-inch apart along both sides of the dough, going in towards the filling but not through it.
  7. Step 7: Working from one end, take a dough strip from one side and bring it up and over the filling. Then take a strip from the other side and cross it over the first one. Continue alternating sides, crossing the strips over the filling like braiding, sealing the filling inside. Tuck the ends in neatly.
  8. Step 8: Brush the top of the pizza bread with the melted butter. Sprinkle on the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining oregano (about 1/8 teaspoon).
  9. Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown all over and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
  10. Step 10: While the pizza bread bakes, warm the rest of the pizza sauce in a small pot or microwave-safe dish for dipping.
  11. Step 11: Let the pizza bread cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with the heated pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

For variety, sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the ground beef. Add red pepper flakes for spice. Swap provolone for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or another Italian blend. Cooked Italian sausage, crumbled bacon, or cooked chicken can replace or be added to the meat. Use fresh basil or a blend of Italian herbs instead of oregano. Don't overstuff the bread and seal the edges well to prevent leaks. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing. You can cook the ground beef mixture a day ahead. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for the best texture.