Name: Personal Beef Pizzas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce; 4 round thin sandwich breads, split; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Optional toppings: sliced black or green olives, sliced bell peppers, sliced red onions

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These personal beef pizzas are a fun, quick, and customizable meal that I enjoy making when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Using seasoned ground beef, a crisp sandwich bread base, melty mozzarella, and any toppings I like, it’s a perfect go-to for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Personal Beef Pizzas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s fast, flexible, and family-friendly. I can adjust the toppings to suit everyone’s taste, and it’s a great way to let each person build their own pizza. Using sandwich thins instead of traditional pizza dough keeps it light but still crisp, and the flavorful ground beef adds a hearty bite that pairs perfectly with pizza sauce and melted cheese.

Ingredients

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

1 pound ground beef
1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
4 round thin sandwich breads, any variety, split
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings: sliced black or green olives, sliced red or yellow bell peppers, sliced red onions

Directions

I start by browning the ground beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. I season it simply with a little salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat.

Next, I stir in the pizza sauce and let it heat for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. While that’s cooking, I place the sandwich bread halves cut side up on a broiler pan rack. I spoon equal portions of the beef mixture onto each bread half, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and add any toppings I like.

I broil the pizzas so the cheese is about 3 to 4 inches from the heat source, letting them cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the sandwich bread for naan or pita for a different texture. I’ve also made a spicy version with crushed red pepper in the beef and jalapeño slices on top. For a lighter take, I use part-skim mozzarella and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini ribbons.

storage/reheating

I store leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, which keeps the bread crisp and the cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I make the beef ahead of time?

Yes, I often cook the beef a day or two ahead and refrigerate it. This makes assembling the pizzas even faster.

Can I freeze these pizzas?

I can freeze the assembled but unbaked pizzas on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap them well. When I’m ready to eat, I bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the broil time.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.

What cheese works best besides mozzarella?

I’ve tried provolone, cheddar, and even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each gives a unique flavor and melt.

How do I make these vegetarian?

I replace the beef with a plant-based meat alternative or even a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions.

Conclusion

These personal beef pizzas give me all the flavors of a classic pizzeria pie with the convenience of a quick homemade meal. I love that I can change the toppings based on what I have in the fridge, and they’re always a hit whether I’m making them for myself or for friends and family.