Meat Lovers Pizza Bread

When I want a guaranteed hit at game night, family dinners, or casual parties, I make this Meat Lovers Pizza Bread. It’s everything I love about pizza—savory beef, spicy pepperoni, loads of melty cheese—all wrapped in golden, braided dough. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfectly shareable, with every slice begging to be dipped in warm pizza sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and always a crowd pleaser. It comes together quickly thanks to store-bought dough and sauce, and it’s packed with all the good stuff—three cheeses, seasoned beef, and plenty of pepperoni. Whether I slice it into appetizers or serve it as a fun dinner, it always disappears fast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lean ground beef
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Pizza sauce
• Refrigerated pizza dough
• Provolone cheese slices
• Thin-sliced pepperoni
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Melted butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Prep and brown the beef:
   I heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef, most of the oregano, garlic powder, and kosher salt. I cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and just starting to caramelize. I drain any excess fat for a cleaner texture.
2. Sauce the meat:
   Once the beef cools slightly, I stir in about ⅓ cup of pizza sauce—just enough to keep the filling moist and flavorful without turning it soggy.
3. Shape the dough:
   I roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet. If it resists, I let it rest for a minute to relax the gluten, then continue shaping.
4. Assemble the fillings:
   Down the center of the dough, I spread ½ cup of pizza sauce. Then I layer on provolone slices, pepperoni, the cooked beef, and a big handful of mozzarella.
5. Braid and seal:
   I cut slits along both long sides of the dough, then fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to form a braid. This locks in all the fillings and gives a beautiful presentation.
6. Butter and season:
   I mix melted butter with Parmesan and the remaining oregano, then brush it over the top of the dough for flavor and golden color.
7. Bake to perfection:
   I bake in a hot oven until the bread is golden brown and bubbling with cheese—about 20–25 minutes. I let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
8. Warm the dipping sauce:
   While it bakes, I warm the extra pizza sauce in a saucepan. I serve it on the side for dipping—because more sauce is always better.

Servings and timing

This pizza bread makes about 6 to 8 slices. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and baking takes another 20–25 minutes. It’s ready to serve in under 45 minutes.

Variations

I like to switch it up with:

• Spicy version: I add red pepper flakes to the beef or use hot pepperoni.
• Extra veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers give it more flavor and color.
• Cheese twist: I sometimes add smoked gouda or shredded cheddar for a different melt.

storage/reheating

Storage:
Leftovers go into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
I reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in the microwave in short bursts. If I want it extra crisp, I use a skillet to reheat the bottom.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble the pizza bread up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it. I bake it fresh when I’m ready to serve.

What type of dough works best?

Refrigerated pizza dough is quick and easy, but I’ve also used homemade dough when I have extra time. Either way, the key is letting it rest if it’s springy.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. I bake it, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. When I’m ready to serve, I reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. I swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or even a mix of black beans and corn with taco seasoning.

What dipping sauces go well besides pizza sauce?

I love using ranch, garlic butter, or even a spicy marinara. It’s fun to offer a few options if I’m serving this at a party.

Conclusion

Meat Lovers Pizza Bread is one of those recipes I can always count on to satisfy everyone at the table. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with all the best pizza flavors in every warm, cheesy bite. Whether I’m hosting a party or just feeding my family, it’s a delicious, no-fuss favorite I’ll keep making again and again.

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