Save to Pinterest One Friday night, I was craving pizza but also had a packet of ground beef that needed using. I stared at my fridge, then at the jar of Alfredo sauce I'd made earlier that week, and thought why not combine them? The result was this ridiculously creamy, savory pizza that my family now requests more often than the traditional kind. It's become our go-to when we want something familiar but a little more indulgent.
I made this for my neighbors during a casual backyard hangout, and they couldn't believe it wasn't from a fancy pizzeria. Someone even asked if I'd added truffle oil, which I hadn't, but the nutmeg in the Alfredo gives it that subtle, elevated flavor. Since then, it's been my secret weapon for impressing people without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (1 pound): You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you have the time, either works beautifully and I've tested both many times.
- Ground beef (8 oz): I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but leaner beef works if you want to cut back on grease, just don't skip draining the fat.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano: These simple seasonings turn plain beef into something aromatic and deeply savory, and the oregano ties it all back to classic pizza flavors.
- Heavy cream (3/4 cup): This is the heart of the Alfredo sauce, and I've learned that full-fat cream is essential for that silky, rich texture.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): It helps the sauce come together smoothly and adds a subtle richness you can taste in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Freshly grated melts better and tastes sharper, I always keep a block in my fridge just for recipes like this.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny pinch transforms the Alfredo from ordinary to restaurant-quality, don't skip it even if it sounds odd.
- Shredded mozzarella (1 1/2 cups): This melts into those perfect stretchy strings everyone loves, and I always use whole milk mozzarella for the best flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness.
Instructions
- Heat the oven:
- Preheat to 475°F and if you have a pizza stone, let it heat up inside so your crust gets crispy on the bottom. I used to skip this step and the difference is night and day.
- Cook the beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off the excess fat or your pizza will be greasy, I learned that the messy way.
- Make the Alfredo sauce:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan, then add heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and nutmeg, whisking until smooth and thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
- Roll out the dough:
- On a floured surface, roll your dough into a 12-inch round and transfer it to parchment paper or a pizza peel. Don't worry if it's not perfectly circular, rustic edges are part of the charm.
- Assemble the pizza:
- Spread Alfredo sauce over the dough leaving a 1-inch border, then scatter the cooked beef evenly on top. Finish with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra golden color.
- Bake until golden:
- Slide the pizza into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for a bubbly, lightly browned top and crisp edges. The smell will fill your kitchen and make everyone hover nearby.
- Garnish and serve:
- Pull it out, scatter fresh parsley over the top if you like, then slice and serve immediately while the cheese is still molten.
Save to Pinterest The first time my daughter took a bite, she looked up and said this tastes like a hug, and I haven't been able to think of a better description since. It's comfort food in the truest sense, the kind of meal that turns a regular evening into something a little more special.
Customizing Your Pizza
I've added sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions on nights when I have extra time, and both bring a sweet, earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the beef. You can also swap ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter, though I'd add a touch more seasoning since they're milder. Some friends have even used Italian sausage instead, which amps up the spice and flavor in a really satisfying way.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza is rich, so I always serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. A glass of Chardonnay is my favorite pairing because the buttery notes echo the Alfredo, but a cold beer works just as well for a more casual vibe. Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a hot skillet, which crisps up the bottom and keeps the cheese from getting rubbery.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and resist the urge to microwave them because it makes the crust soggy. Instead, reheat in a covered skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or pop them in a 375°F oven until warmed through. I've even frozen slices wrapped individually in foil, and they thaw and reheat beautifully for a quick lunch.
- Let the pizza cool completely before wrapping to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- If freezing, label with the date and use within two months for best quality.
- Always reheat from the fridge or thawed, never straight from frozen, for even heating.
Save to Pinterest This pizza has become one of those recipes I make without thinking, the kind that feels like a warm kitchen on a cold night. I hope it brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it does to mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is used on this pizza?
Mozzarella cheese is used as the main topping, complemented by grated Parmesan in the Alfredo sauce and sprinkled on top.
- → How is the Alfredo sauce prepared?
The sauce is made by melting butter, simmering heavy cream, then stirring in Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg until thickened.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative while maintaining the flavor balance.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- → Are there any suggested additional toppings?
Sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- → What tools are needed to prepare this dish?
A skillet for cooking beef, saucepan for sauce, rolling pin, baking sheet or pizza stone, parchment paper, and a pizza cutter.