Italian Meat Sauce Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6g black tea BBQ seasoning
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork (optional)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Black Tea Marinade:

• In a small bowl, mix the black tea BBQ seasoning with the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool. This mixture will be used to enhance the flavor of the meat sauce.

Prepare the Pizza Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• Add 1 1/2 cups of flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well to form a dough. If needed, add more flour to make a soft, manageable dough.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Add the ground beef and pork (if using) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Pizza:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions for two large pizzas.
• Roll out each portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to form a thin circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
• Spread the meat sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake the Pizza:

• Place the pizzas on a pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Serve:

• Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice each pizza into slices and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
• Enjoy your Italian Meat Sauce Pizza, a delicious and hearty meal that's perfect for a family dinner or a pizza night with friends. The combination of the rich meat sauce, melted cheese, and a hint of black tea BBQ seasoning creates a satisfying and flavorful pizza experience.