Aug 27 2026
RestaurantsMario's PizzaMeat Lover's Specialty Pizza Recipe

Meat Lover's Specialty Pizza Recipe

Inspired by Mario's Pizza
Time1h 45m
Serves4

Make Meat Lover's Specialty Pizza Recipe in just 1h 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Activate yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar and active dry yeast. Stir lightly and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Make dough

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead

    Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively use a stand mixer with dough hook on medium-low for 5–6 minutes.

  4. 4

    First rise

    Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough in bowl and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled, about 60–75 minutes.

  5. 5

    Shape

    Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a ball and let rest 10 minutes, then stretch or roll into a 12–14 inch round for one large pizza (or divide for two smaller). Dust pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal/semolina.

Sauce

  1. 6

    Combine sauce ingredients

    While dough is rising, stir together crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon olive oil, salt and black pepper in a bowl until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning. No need to cook — this is a quick pizza sauce.

Meats & Cheese

  1. 7

    Prepare meats

    If your sausage and bacon are not already cooked, cook them now: brown Italian sausage in a skillet until cooked through and crumble; cook bacon until crisp, drain and chop. Drain any excess fat and let meats cool slightly.

  2. 8

    Assemble toppings

    Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes with a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on a middle rack. Shred the mozzarella and grate the Parmesan. Arrange pepperoni, crumbled sausage, chopped bacon and sliced ham in bowls for quick assembly.

Finish & Assembly

  1. 9

    Preheat and shape

    Preheat oven as directed above. Stretch the rested dough into desired size (12–14 inch) on lightly floured surface or on parchment. Transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or semolina to prevent sticking.

  2. 10

    Sauce and cheese

    Spread a thin, even layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle about 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, reserving a little for finishing.

  3. 11

    Add meats

    Distribute pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese. Scatter crumbled sausage, chopped bacon and sliced ham so every slice will have a mix of meats. If you like heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes lightly over the toppings.

  4. 12

    Finish and bake

    Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil very lightly over the crust edge (optional) and sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pizza. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or inverted sheet. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 8–12 minutes, rotating halfway, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown.

  5. 13

    Rest and garnish

    Remove pizza from oven and let rest 3–5 minutes. Scatter fresh basil over the top if using, slice into 8 pieces and serve hot.

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