Introduction

Patty Melt Pizza brings together the best of two classic favorites: a juicy patty melt and a crispy pizza. This unique recipe combines a soft focaccia dough topped with caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, melty cheeses, and a tangy sauce for a delicious, comforting meal.

A black cast iron pan holds a pizza sliced into seven pieces, with one slice being lifted by a metal spatula with a wooden handle. The pizza has a golden brown crust base layer, topped with a generous layer of cooked ground beef mixed with sautéed onions. Above this is a thick, melted cheese layer blending white and orange colors, bubbly and slightly browned with scattered green garnish on top. The pan sits on a wood table, surrounded by small white bowls filled with green herbs and a creamy sauce, with a piece of similar cheesy bread on a white plate in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup warm water (110°F–115°F)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for skillet)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 pound ground beef
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (113 g) shredded mild cheddar cheese
⅔ cup (155 g) mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup olive oil, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Add half of this mixture to the yeast mixture.
Step 3: Stir in all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: During the last 30 minutes of dough rising, prepare the toppings. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 5: Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until soft and golden brown. Transfer onions to a plate and set aside.
Step 6: In the same skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.
Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, black pepper, chopped parsley, and minced garlic to make the patty melt sauce. Set aside.
Step 8: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the remaining garlic oil mixture into a 12-inch cast iron skillet and brush to coat the bottom and sides.
Step 9: Add the risen dough to the oiled skillet. Use your fingers to press the dough to the edges and dimple the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, until slightly puffed.
Step 10: Remove the crust from the oven and spread half of the patty melt sauce (about ½ cup) evenly over it.
Step 11: Layer the seasoned beef and caramelized onions evenly on top, then sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the toppings.
Step 12: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 13–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 13: Drizzle the remaining sauce over the pizza just before serving and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Step 14: Slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use a blend of smoked and sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild cheddar.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use any oven-safe skillet or a pizza stone for baking the dough.
Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
Make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight to develop deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Patty Melt Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet or oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A slice of layered casserole sits on a white plate with a smooth texture, which is placed on a round wooden board on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, golden-brown bread or biscuit base with a crumbly texture. Above it is a mix of ground meat browned with a rich, slightly oily look. The top layer is covered by melted yellow and white cheese, browned in spots, drizzled with a light creamy sauce and sprinkled with small green herbs for color contrast. In the background, part of the full casserole pan is visible, showing more of the same cheesy meat mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of making focaccia dough?

Yes, pre-made dough works well if you’re short on time. Just adjust baking time as needed since pre-made dough may vary in thickness and hydration.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the baked pizza. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore texture and flavor.