Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza

1. **Make the Pizza Sauce:**
2. Sauté 1 1/2 cups chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic in 1 tablespoon olive oil until softened.
3. Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (24 ounce) jar pizza sauce (or homemade – see optional step below), 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh, chopped), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional), 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
5. Discard the bay leaf. Set aside to cool.
6. **Make the Pizza Dough:**
7. In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast, and 1 teaspoon salt.
8. Add 1 cup warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
9. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl constantly.
10. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
11. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as possible with a spoon.
12. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in enough remaining flour to make a smooth, elastic dough.
13. Divide the dough in half, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
14. Grease two 11- to 13-inch pizza pans.
15. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough half into a circle slightly larger than the pizza pan.
16. Transfer to pans, build up the edges slightly, and prick generously with a fork. Do not let rise.
17. **Assemble and Bake:**
18. Bake the crusts in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
19. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook 1 pound ground beef and 1/2 cup chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
20. Spread the cooled pizza sauce over the hot crusts.
21. Sprinkle with the ground beef mixture.
22. Top with 1 cup tomato slices and 6 slices of crumbled cooked bacon.
23. Sprinkle generously with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
24. Bake for another 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
25. **Optional Homemade Pizza Sauce:** If making your own pizza sauce, follow steps 1-4 above, cooling completely before using.
26. **Make-Ahead Tip:** Pizza sauce can be made ahead, cooled, and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.