Mega Pepperoni Recipe

Preheat and prepare dough

Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 250°C (480°F) for at least 30 minutes. Lightly dust a work surface with 1/4 cup flour. On the floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch (30-35 cm) round, about 1/4-inch thick. Transfer dough to a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel. Brush the outer rim lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to encourage browning.

Season the sauce

In a small bowl combine 1 cup tomato pizza sauce with 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and taste; adjust seasoning if desired. Spread an even layer (about 3/4 cup) of the seasoned sauce over the prepared dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust.

Cook and season minced beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of oil if needed, then add the minced beef (about 3/4 cup raw, or roughly 6 oz). Break it up and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper while cooking. Drain excess fat and set beef aside on a plate lined with paper towel.

Assemble toppings

Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough. Distribute the cooked minced beef evenly across the cheese. Scatter about 30 slices of pepperoni over the top, arranging so most slices are flat. Evenly distribute 1/2 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion over the pizza. Arrange sliced jalapeños (from 3 jalapeños) across the surface where desired for heat. Finish with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella in any sparse areas, then grate 2 tablespoons parmesan over the top.

Carefully slide the pizza (on parchment or peel) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake at 250°C (480°F) for 8-12 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown. Rotate once halfway through baking for even color. If using a home oven that doesn’t reach 250°C, bake at the highest temperature available and expect an extra 3-5 minutes.

Remove the pizza from the oven. Let rest 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano and optional 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper over the top. Tear and scatter fresh basil leaves (6 leaves) if using. Slice into 8 slices and serve hot.