Description

This School Lunch Pizza is a throwback to the beloved pizzas served in cafeterias. Made from scratch, it features a slightly sweet, pillowy crust topped with savory meat and gooey cheese, interlaced with a rich homemade tomato sauce. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste but also in how easy it is to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or fun-filled family gatherings, it caters to both kids and adults alike. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup warm water (110-115°F)
• 2 cans (12 oz each) tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 pound ground chuck
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation Method

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F. Prepare a large baking sheet by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your pizza doesn’t stick and will be easy to remove once baked.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered milk, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. This combination of dry ingredients lays the foundation for a perfect crust.

Next, in a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil and warm water until well combined. Gradually pour this liquid mixture into the bowl containing the dry mix, stirring with a wooden spoon. Aim to create a slightly wet dough; be cautious not to overmix, as you want to maintain the fluffiness.

Now, gently transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to spread the dough evenly across the pan, making sure to cover every corner. Once spread out, place this in the oven and allow it to bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust starts to form a light golden color.

While the crust is baking, it's time to prepare the pizza sauce. Grab a medium bowl and combine the tomato paste with minced garlic, water, olive oil, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and dried rosemary. Stir all of these ingredients together until you achieve a uniform mixture. This sauce will add layers of flavor to your pizza and complement the toppings nicely.

Moving on to the meat, it's time to cook the ground chuck. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground chuck, cooking it until it’s browned and crumbled. Season it with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Once cooked, drain any excess grease before moving on to the next step.

After the crust has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to handle and prevents the sauce from sliding off. Spread your prepared pizza sauce evenly across the crust, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.

Next, sprinkle the cooked ground chuck over the sauce, distributing it evenly. This ensures that every bite of pizza is filled with delicious meatiness.

Finish off by generously sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ground chuck. Use enough to create a beautifully gooey layer of cheese that will melt wonderfully as it cooks.

Return the pizza to the oven for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until you notice the cheese melting and bubbling. This is where the magic happens, and the aroma in your kitchen will surely tempt everyone around to come and see what you're cooking.

Once your pizza is out of the oven, let it sit for at least five minutes. This resting time allows the cheese to firm up a little, making it easier to slice.

When you're ready to serve, cut the pizza into squares. You can offer this with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping if you like, and perhaps even some fresh herbs or chili flakes for those who enjoy a little extra flavor.

Tips and Conclusion

For a perfect crust, avoid over-kneading the dough. A gentle mixing will keep your pizza light and airy, reminiscent of classic school lunches. When it comes to toppings, feel free to be creative. Add some bell peppers, onions, or even olives if you want to customize this pizza to your liking.
This nostalgic School Lunch Pizza is a wonderful recipe that brings back fond memories of our school days while providing a delicious meal for today's busy families. With its delightful flavors and charming simplicity, it's sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project with the kids, this pizza recipe is not just a dish; it's a way to create memories that you will cherish long after the last slice is gone. Enjoy every bite of this delicious pizza, and don't forget to share with friends and family for a delightful gathering around the table!