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Meat Lovers Pizza Bread

An easy and fun pull-apart loaf packed with ground beef, pepperoni, and melted cheese, all wrapped in pizza dough and baked until golden. Perfect for game day or a quick weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American, Pizza

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large Non-Stick Skillet
  • Knife or Pizza Cutter
  • Small bowl
  • Pastry Brush
  • Small Pot or Microwave-Safe Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 lb lean ground beef lean
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano divided
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 jar pizza sauce divided
  • 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough 13.8 ounces
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 ounces thin-sliced pepperoni about 1/3 cup
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Step 2: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef with 1/4 tsp of the oregano, the garlic powder, and the kosher salt. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and crumbly. Drain off any extra grease.
  • Step 3: Let the beef cool slightly. Stir in about 1/3 cup of the pizza sauce.
  • Step 4: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
  • Step 5: Spread about 1/2 cup of the pizza sauce down the center third of the dough, leaving the sides empty. Layer the provolone slices over the sauce, then add the pepperoni, cooked ground beef mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep all fillings in the center section.
  • Step 6: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut slits about 1-inch apart along both sides of the dough, cutting towards the filling but not through it.
  • Step 7: Take the top strip from one side and bring it diagonally up and over the filling. Then take the top strip from the other side and bring it diagonally over, overlapping the first strip. Continue alternating sides to weave the strips over the filling, creating a braided effect. Tuck the ends under to seal.
  • Step 8: Melt the butter in a small bowl. Brush the melted butter all over the top of the braided dough. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/4 tsp oregano over the buttered top.
  • Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and baked through. Check the underside for doneness if needed.
  • Step 10: While the bread bakes, heat the rest of your pizza sauce in a small pot or microwave-safe bowl for dipping.
  • Step 11: Once baked, take the pizza bread out of the oven. Let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before slicing or tearing and serving with the warm pizza sauce on the side.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Use cooked Italian sausage, bacon, or chicken instead of ground beef. Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach (ensure they are not too wet). Swap cheese for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Use pesto, garlic-herb spread, or BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce. Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Tips for Success: Drain ground beef well. Keep fillings neatly in the center third. Use a sharp knife for cuts. Alternate weaving strips and tuck ends to seal. Check the bottom crust for doneness. Cook ground beef mixture ahead of time and store in the fridge.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, toaster oven, or regular oven.
Keyword Easy, Game Day, Meat Lovers, Pizza Bread