Recipe: Easy Beef Pizza with Quick Pizza Crust

EASY BEEF PIZZA

FOR THE QUICK PIZZA CRUST:
1 3/4 to 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided use
1 package (1/4 ounce) fast-rising dry yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup very warm water (125 to 130 degrees F)
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Cornmeal
FOR THE PIZZA TOPPING:
1/2 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 can (8 ounces) pizza sauce
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into thin rings
1 green onion, sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

TO PREPARE THE PIZZA CRUST:
Combine 1 cup flour, yeast, sugar and salt in large bowl. Stir in water and oil. Mix in enough remaining flour to form soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.

Sprinkle cornmeal on lightly greased 12-inch pizza pan or baking sheet. Roll dough to 12-inch circle; place on pan.

Bake in 350 degrees F oven 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

TO PREPARE THE PIZZA TOPPING:
Meanwhile brown ground beef in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is not pink, breaking up into 1/2-inch crumbles. Pour off drippings; season with Italian seasoning, fennel and red pepper.

Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F.

Spread pizza sauce evenly on crust. Arrange bell pepper and green onion on sauce; top with beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheeses.

Bake in 450 degree F oven 7 to 10 minutes or until cheeses are melted. Cut into 8 wedges.

Servings: 4
Source: Cattlemen's Beef Board