Save to Pinterest The smell of caramelized onions and chili hitting a hot pan is what pulled me into this recipe one restless Friday night. I had leftover ground beef, a jar of honey someone gifted me, and a pizza craving that wouldn't quit. What came out of the oven that night wasn't just dinner, it was the kind of accident that becomes tradition. The sweet heat from the honey cut through the spice in a way I didn't expect, and I've been chasing that balance ever since.
I made this for a small group during a thunderstorm when no one wanted to leave the house. We ate it straight off the pan with paper towels, laughing at how messy the honey made our hands. Someone said it tasted like comfort food that went rogue, and honestly, that stuck with me. It's the kind of pizza that doesn't apologize for being a little wild.
Ingredients
- Bread flour: The higher protein content gives the crust structure and chew, and it handles a heavy topping load without going soggy.
- Instant yeast: No waiting to bloom, just mix and go, which is a lifesaver when you're hungry and impatient.
- Ground beef: Choose something with a bit of fat (80/20 works great) so the meat stays moist and flavorful under all that heat.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a campfire depth that regular paprika just can't match, and it plays nicely with the chili powder.
- Chili powder and cumin: This duo brings warmth and earthiness, the kind that lingers without overwhelming.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Control the fire here, start conservative and taste as you go.
- Mozzarella and sharp cheddar: Mozzarella melts beautifully, cheddar adds tang and color, together they're unstoppable.
- Hot honey: The secret weapon, it ties everything together and gives you that sweet-heat finish that keeps people reaching for another slice.
- Pickled jalapeños: Optional but highly recommended, they add brightness and a vinegary punch that cuts the richness.
Instructions
- Mix and knead the dough:
- Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl, then pour in warm water and olive oil. Stir until shaggy, then turn it out and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and springs back when poked.
- Let the dough rise:
- Tuck it into a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it double in a warm spot for about an hour. You'll know it's ready when it feels pillowy and airy.
- Cook the spicy beef:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and let it bloom for a minute. Toss in the beef, break it up as it browns, then stir in tomato paste and all your spices until everything smells like a taco stand.
- Preheat your oven high:
- Crank it to 250°C or as hot as it goes, and if you have a pizza stone, get it in there now. Heat is your friend for a crispy crust.
- Shape and top the dough:
- Punch down the risen dough, stretch or roll it into a 30 cm circle, then transfer to parchment or a floured peel. Spread the beef evenly, leaving a border, then blanket it with mozzarella, cheddar, and jalapeños.
- Bake until golden:
- Slide it into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for bubbling cheese and a crust that's turning golden brown at the edges.
- Finish with hot honey:
- Pull it out, drizzle the hot honey while it's still steaming, then scatter cilantro or parsley if you want a fresh pop. Slice and serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest There was a night my neighbor knocked on the door just as I pulled this out of the oven, and I ended up slicing it in half and sharing it on the counter. We didn't say much, just ate and nodded, and when she left she said she'd never thought of honey on pizza before. That's the magic of this one, it surprises people, and they remember it.
How to Store and Reheat
Let leftover slices cool completely, then stack them with parchment between each piece and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven at 200°C for 5 to 7 minutes to bring back the crisp, microwaving works in a pinch but the crust won't be the same. If you froze slices, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based crumble if you want something lighter or vegetarian, just add a little extra olive oil since leaner meat can dry out. Use store-bought dough if time is tight, or try a premade flatbread for a quick weeknight version. If you can't find hot honey, warm regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes and strain it, or just drizzle plain honey and sprinkle flakes on top.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This pizza is bold and rich, so it pairs beautifully with something crisp and cold like a lager or a citrusy IPA. If you prefer wine, go for a zesty red like Zinfandel or even a chilled rosé to balance the heat. Serve it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil, or some pickled vegetables on the side to cut through the richness.
- A cold beer or sparkling water with lime keeps things refreshing.
- Serve with a side of ranch or garlic aioli for dipping the crust.
- Leftovers make an excellent breakfast with a fried egg on top.
Save to Pinterest This pizza has become my go-to when I want something that feels like an event without the fuss. It's messy, it's loud with flavor, and it never fails to start a conversation.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I make the dough rise faster?
Place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot and cover with a clean towel. Using slightly warmer water when mixing also helps speed up fermentation.
- → What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based mince are great alternatives that provide similar texture and soak up the spices well.
- → How spicy is the chili seasoning?
The blend includes smoked paprika, chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the red pepper flakes to control heat intensity.
- → Can I prepare the meat topping ahead of time?
Yes, cooking the spiced beef mixture in advance saves time. Reheat gently before spreading on the dough to maintain flavors.
- → What is the role of hot honey in this dish?
The hot honey drizzle adds a sweet, floral note with a mild chili warmth that balances the savory and spicy elements.
- → Can I add vegetables for extra texture?
Sliced red onions or bell peppers can be layered under or over the beef for additional crunch and flavor contrast.