Meat Lovers Pizza: A Bold, Hearty Slice for True Carnivores

There’s no mistaking the unmistakable aroma of a Meat Lovers Pizza fresh out of the oven—crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and a medley of sizzling meats coming together in every mouthwatering bite. This pizza is big, bold, and unapologetically indulgent. It’s the kind of comfort food that satisfies deep cravings and turns any night into a celebration.

My obsession with meat-loaded pizza began at a Friday night gathering with friends. We’d order the biggest meat combo pizza on the menu, stack our plates, and compete to see who could handle the most toppings without it collapsing. That same energy inspired this homemade version: flavorful, filling, and layered with multiple meats, gooey cheese, and a crisp-yet-chewy crust that holds it all together. It’s pizza night—supercharged.

Why You’ll Love This Meat Lovers Pizza

• Packed with flavor from a variety of meats and spices

• Perfectly balanced with gooey cheese and a golden, sturdy crust

• Great for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or pizza night with the family

• Customizable: Choose your favorite meats and spice level

Whether you’re throwing a game-day party or just want to treat yourself to a slice of meat lover’s heaven, this recipe delivers in every way.

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What Is a Meat Lovers Pizza?

Traditionally, a Meat Lovers Pizza (or Meat Feast) features a variety of seasoned meats layered over a tomato base with plenty of cheese. While combinations vary, the most common meats include:

• Pepperoni

• Sausage

• Bacon

• Ham

• Ground beef

It’s everything a carnivore could want—savory, smoky, spicy, and rich—on a crispy, cheesy canvas.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough (Makes 2 Medium Pizzas):

• 3½ cups (450g) all-purpose or bread flour

• 1¼ cups (300ml) warm water

• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

You can also use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.

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For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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For the Meat Toppings:

• ½ cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled

• ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped

• ½ cup ground beef, cooked and seasoned

• 12–16 slices pepperoni

• ½ cup diced ham or Canadian bacon

Cook and drain all meats before assembling your pizza.

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For the Cheese:

• 1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded provolone or cheddar (optional for extra richness)

• Optional: Grated Parmesan for finishing

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Optional Extras:

• Crushed red pepper flakes

• Sliced red onions or green peppers

• Garlic powder or Italian seasoning for the crust

• Drizzle of hot honey or BBQ sauce

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How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.

5. Divide into 2 balls for two medium pizzas or keep whole for a large one. Let rest 10–15 minutes before stretching.

Tip: Refrigerate overnight for even better flavor and texture.

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Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Let cool slightly.

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Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Pizza Stone

Preheat your oven to 475–500°F (245–260°C). Place a pizza stone or steel in the oven if you have one, and let it heat for at least 30 minutes for optimal crust crispness.

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Step 4: Shape and Assemble the Pizza

1. On a floured surface, stretch or roll your dough into a 12–14 inch circle.

2. Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza peel or a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.

3. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.

4. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and provolone cheese.

5. Evenly distribute cooked sausage, ground beef, bacon, ham, and pepperoni.

6. Add a final sprinkle of cheese and any extras like onions or red pepper flakes.

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Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Slide the pizza into the hot oven or onto the stone. Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the crust is golden, the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges are crisp.

Optional Finish: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to crisp the pepperoni edges and brown the cheese slightly.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or a drizzle of hot honey if desired. Slice and enjoy while it’s hot and melty!

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Meat Options & Flavor Combinations

Here’s how to mix and match meats based on your preferences:

Classic Combo:

• Pepperoni, sausage, bacon

BBQ Twist:

• Pulled pork, bacon, BBQ sauce drizzle, cheddar

Spicy Meat Lovers:

• Spicy Italian sausage, hot capicola, jalapeños, chili flakes

Smoky & Savory:

• Smoked ham, smoked sausage, smoked gouda cheese

Deluxe Meat Supreme:

• Pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, meatballs, ground beef

Tip: Balance rich meats with lighter cheese or fresh garnishes like arugula or red onion.

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Tips for Meat Lovers Pizza Success

• Fully cook and drain all meats to prevent sogginess.

• Don’t overload: More isn’t always better. Too many toppings can weigh the crust down.

• Use low-moisture mozzarella: Helps prevent a soggy center.

• Let dough rest after shaping—it relaxes the gluten and prevents shrinking.

• Brush crust edges with garlic oil or melted butter for a flavor boost.

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What to Serve With Meat Lovers Pizza

This pizza is a meal on its own, but here are a few great pairings:

• Caesar salad or arugula salad

• Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks

• Iced tea, cold beer, or a bold red wine

• Roasted vegetables for balance

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Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers:

• Cool completely and store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Reheating:

• Oven: 375°F for 7–10 minutes

• Skillet: Heat in a covered nonstick pan over medium heat

• Avoid microwaving unless you’re okay with a soft crust

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pizza crust and ensure all meats and sauces are gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought dough or crust?

Absolutely! Look for fresh pizza dough at your local grocery store or use pre-baked crusts for a shortcut.

Is this pizza spicy?

Only if you want it to be. Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy sausage, and add chili flakes or jalapeños if desired.

Can I make this pizza in advance?

Yes. You can:

• Make the dough up to 48 hours ahead.

• Prep and cook the meats in advance.

• Assemble and refrigerate the pizza (uncooked) for up to 6 hours before baking.

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Conclusion: The Ultimate Homemade Meat Lovers Pizza

If you love bold, meaty flavors and crave the satisfaction of a stacked, cheesy, hearty pizza, this Meat Lovers Pizza is everything you want—and then some. It’s a celebration of flavor, comfort, and the joy of homemade pizza done right.

Whether you’re sharing with friends, feeding a hungry family, or treating yourself to something special, this recipe guarantees a pizza night to remember.

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