School Pizza Recipe

This School Pizza Recipe brings back memories of cafeteria lunches with its soft pourable crust, savory ground beef topping, and a flavorful homemade tomato sauce. The quick-rise dough, seasoned tomato sauce, and melted Mozzarella cheese come together for that classic taste we all remember. This recipe is perfect for family meals or a fun throwback dinner. Serve it warm and sliced into squares for that authentic school lunch experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Soft, Chewy Crust: This easy-to-make, pourable crust is thick and fluffy, just like the school pizzas we all remember.
Homemade Sauce with a Hint of Herbs: The tomato sauce is seasoned with garlic, oregano, basil, and rosemary for a deliciously herby flavor that complements the pizza perfectly.
Classic Cafeteria Toppings: Simple ground beef and mozzarella give this pizza a comforting, familiar taste that’s wonderfully nostalgic.
Feeds a Crowd: Baked in a 9×13-inch pan, this pizza serves multiple people—great for families or a fun pizza night!

Key Ingredients:

To achieve that authentic school pizza flavor and texture, each ingredient plays a role. Here are some tips for choosing the best ingredients.

Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to for this crust, providing a chewy, soft texture. Bread flour can also work if you want a slightly more elastic crust.
Powdered Milk: This ingredient is a key part of the traditional school pizza crust. It adds a subtle sweetness and tenderizes the dough, giving it that familiar soft, airy texture.
Quick-Rise Yeast: Quick-rise yeast helps the dough rise faster, making this recipe a little quicker to prepare than traditional pizza dough.
Ground Beef: A topping of simple seasoned ground beef brings back those familiar school pizza vibes. Use lean beef to avoid excess grease.
Tomato Sauce: The sauce for this pizza is slightly sweet and herby. Be sure to let it simmer so the flavors meld and intensify.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but for the most authentic school pizza taste, you can use imitation mozzarella if available. Shredding it fresh ensures a better melt.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C).

Grease the Baking Pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine:
Flour
Powdered milk
Sugar
Yeast
Salt

Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix warm water with vegetable oil, then pour it into the dry ingredients. Stir quickly to form a dough.

Press Out Dough: Transfer the dough to the greased pan and use your fingers to press it out evenly. If the dough is tough to stretch, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.

Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it begins to set, but avoid browning it. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until crumbled and no longer pink. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine tomato paste, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and rosemary.
Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the Sauce: Evenly distribute the prepared tomato sauce over the pre-baked crust.

Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the cooked ground beef over the sauce and add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Final Bake: Place the pizza back in the oven for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Step 4: Serve

Cool and Slice: Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into squares.

Enjoy: Serve warm and savor the comforting flavors of homemade pizza!

Serving Suggestions:

This school pizza pairs well with simple sides and a few fun extras to bring back those cafeteria vibes.

Side Salad: Serve with a green salad for a fresh, crunchy side that balances out the richness of the pizza.
Fruit Cups: A classic cafeteria-style fruit cup on the side adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
Dipping Sauces: Offer ranch, marinara, or even some hot sauce on the side for dipping!

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

This school pizza is easy to make ahead and stores well for leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melty.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the sauce and cook the beef a day in advance, then assemble and bake the pizza when you’re ready to serve. This can help streamline the cooking process for busy days!

Recipe Variations:

Feel free to get creative and try out different flavors or toppings with this school pizza recipe.

Pepperoni or Sausage: Substitute ground beef with pepperoni or cooked sausage crumbles for a classic twist.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for a veggie-friendly version.
Cheese Lovers’ Pizza: Add a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone, for extra cheesy goodness.
Hawaiian Style: For a sweet and savory option, add pineapple chunks and ham on top of the cheese.

Conclusion:

This school pizza recipe is perfect for those who crave that nostalgic cafeteria-style slice. It’s easy, satisfying, and deliciously reminiscent of school lunch days. Whether you’re making it for a fun family dinner, a game-day snack, or a trip down memory lane, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a taste of the past with this homemade school pizza—you won’t be disappointed!