Savory Meat Pizza with Mozzarella and Fresh Basil

Meat Pizza (Pizza di Carne)
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4

This hearty Meat Pizza is a savory twist on a classic dish, combining tender ground meats with a crispy, flavorful crust, all topped with rich tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe balances the richness of meat with the freshness of basil and tangy tomato.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Start by cutting the stale bread into small pieces. Set aside for later use.

2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, eggs, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, salt, and black pepper. Add the bread, which should be free of crust and squeezed to remove any excess moisture. Begin mixing the ingredients together, kneading them by hand until well incorporated, creating a uniform mixture.

3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a piece of parchment paper and crumple it slightly under running water, then place it in a baking dish, creating a non-stick surface. Pour the meat mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly with your hands, pressing it gently to form a compact base. Use your thumbs to create a small border around the edges of the meat to form a crust, about 2 cm thick.

4. Make the Tomato Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato passata with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir the ingredients until they are fully blended.

5. Assemble the Meat Pizza: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the meat base is ready, spread a layer of the seasoned tomato passata over the surface of the meat. Slice the mozzarella balls in half and scatter them over the top of the sauce.

6. Bake the Meat Pizza: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the edges have formed a nice crust. When the pizza is nearly done, remove the dish from the oven.

7. Final Touches: Add fresh basil leaves on top of the pizza for a burst of aromatic flavor. Drizzle a little more olive oil and finish with a pinch of black pepper.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the meat pizza into wedges and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This Meat Pizza is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings with its delicious combination of flavors. The juicy beef and pork mixture creates the perfect base for the tangy tomato sauce and melty mozzarella. The fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Enjoy!