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Patty Melt Pizza Recipe

4.8 from 102 reviews

This Patty Melt Pizza combines the comforting flavors of a classic patty melt sandwich with a delicious homemade focaccia dough base. Topped with caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and a tangy patty melt sauce, this unique pizza is baked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet. Perfect for those who love hearty, flavorful pizzas with a twist on a beloved American classic.

Ingredients

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Focaccia Dough

  • 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 (reserved for skillet)

Patty Melt Toppings

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 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) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Patty Melt Sauce

  • 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

  1. Prepare Focaccia Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
  2. Mix Oil and Garlic: In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Add half of this oil mixture to the yeast mixture, reserving the other half for greasing the skillet later.
  3. Add Flour and Let Rise: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Prepare Toppings – Cook Onions: During the last 30 minutes of dough rising, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally for 15–20 minutes, until soft and golden brown. Remove onions from skillet and set aside.
  5. Cook Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease. Then mix in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside.
  6. Make Patty Melt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, black pepper, chopped parsley, and minced garlic until well combined. Set aside.
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
  8. Prepare Skillet and Shape Dough: Pour the reserved garlic olive oil mixture into a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Use a brush or fingers to coat the bottom and sides evenly with the oil. Add the risen dough to the skillet and press it out to the edges, dimpling the surface with your fingers.
  9. Bake Dough: Bake the dough for about 12 minutes until slightly puffed and lightly golden.
  10. Add Sauce and Toppings: Remove the skillet from the oven and spread half of the patty melt sauce (approximately ½ cup) evenly over the crust. Layer the cooked ground beef and caramelized onions on top. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the toppings.
  11. Finish Baking: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 13–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining patty melt sauce over the hot pizza just before serving, and sprinkle with additional freshly chopped parsley. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • Make sure the water temperature is between 110°F and 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the pizza toppings.
  • If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use an oven-safe skillet with similar dimensions for best results.
  • You can prepare the patty melt sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time.
  • Allow the dough to fully rise to ensure a fluffy and airy focaccia base.
  • Drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef to prevent a soggy crust.
  • Use freshly chopped parsley for garnish to add color and a fresh herbal note.

Keywords: Patty Melt Pizza, Focaccia Dough Pizza, Ground Beef Pizza, Caramelized Onion Pizza, Cast Iron Skillet Pizza, Homemade Pizza