How to Make a Homemade Meat Lover’s Pizza Without a Pizza Maker
Nothing beats the flavor of a fresh, hot meat lover’s pizza loaded with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ham. The good news? You don’t need a fancy pizza maker or wood-fired oven to make one at home. With just your kitchen oven (and maybe a cast-iron pan or baking sheet), you can whip up a pizza that rivals takeout—crispy, cheesy, and packed with meaty goodness.
🍕 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 cup warm water (110°F)
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
For the toppings:
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½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup cooked Italian sausage
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½ cup pepperoni slices
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½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
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½ cup diced ham
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Optional: red onion, bell peppers, or mushrooms if you want extra flavor
🥘 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make (or prep) the dough
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Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
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Mix in flour, salt, and olive oil until dough forms.
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Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour (or until doubled).
👉 Shortcut: Buy pre-made pizza dough from your local grocery store or bakery if you don’t want to make it from scratch.
Step 2: Preheat your oven properly
Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats for an extra-crispy crust. If not, a cast-iron pan or baking sheet works perfectly.
Step 3: Prep the crust
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
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If using a baking sheet, lightly oil it before placing the dough on top.
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For extra crunch, pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Step 4: Load up the toppings
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Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
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Sprinkle on mozzarella cheese as the base layer.
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Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ham generously.
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Top with another light layer of mozzarella if you like it extra cheesy.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
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Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
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If you like it crispier, broil for an extra 1–2 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Slice and enjoy
Let the pizza cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing (so the cheese sets slightly). Then dig in!
🔥 Tips for the Best Homemade Meat Lover’s Pizza
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Cast-iron skillet method: Preheat the skillet in the oven, then transfer your pizza dough on top. It gives you a near-pizzeria level crust.
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Don’t overload the toppings: Too much meat and cheese can weigh down the crust. Balance is key.
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Use parchment paper: Makes transferring the pizza to and from the oven easy.
✅ The Bottom Line
Making a meat lover’s pizza at home doesn’t require a special pizza oven or professional equipment. With your regular oven, the right dough, and a generous mix of meats, you can create a hearty, flavorful pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria—without ever leaving your kitchen.