This Homemade Pizza Shut My Whole House Up (In the Best Way)
You ever make something for dinner and suddenly your house goes silent?
Like, eerie silence. No one’s yelling. No one’s asking where the ketchup is. No one’s complaining about onions. It’s just… biting, chewing, and wide-eyed glances like, “Did mom just do that?”
Well, that happened last night. And the reason? This homemade pizza.
Now before you click off thinking this is some 72-hour dough recipe that requires a degree in fermentation—breathe. I don’t have time for that either. This is the kind of pizza that says: I care, but I also have a laundry mountain and three texts I still haven’t answered.
The Dinner Rut Is Real
Let’s be honest. Dinner gets real old, real fast.
You start the week with the best intentions: Monday = meal prep queen. Tuesday = tacos. Wednesday =…wait, didn’t we already eat?
By Thursday you’re staring into the fridge like it’s going to offer you emotional support and a fully cooked dinner.
And that’s exactly where I was when this pizza idea hit me. I didn’t plan it. I didn’t overthink it. I just threw together what I had, and boom—hero status unlocked.
Let’s Talk About This Cheese “Steak” Pizza
If a Philly cheesesteak and a pizza had a baby—it’d be this beauty.
And listen, before the pizza purists come for me, yes, it uses ground beef. No, it’s not authentic Philly. But it is absolutely delicious, simple, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Here’s what you’ll need:
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb ground hamburger meat 1 small onion – sliced thin 1 green pepper – cut into thin strips 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 thick prebaked pizza crust 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Brown the ground beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 6 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. While the meat cooks, sauté the onion and bell pepper in a separate pan. Drain the beef, season with salt and pepper, and set aside. Place your pizza crust on a baking sheet. Top it with the beef, then the sautéed veggies, then alllll the cheese. Bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and your kitchen smells like absolute magic.
Why This Pizza Works in Real Life
✔️ It uses ingredients I usually already have in the fridge or pantry.
✔️ It’s hearty enough to feed hungry people (teenagers, husbands, grown women who skipped lunch—you know, the usuals).
✔️ It’s flexible. Don’t like onions? Leave ‘em off. Want to add mushrooms or provolone? Do it.
✔️ It reheats like a dream. Not that there are usually leftovers.
Also? It’s just fun. There’s something about pizza night that hits different, especially when you make it yourself and still feel like you pulled off a miracle with 20 minutes and a skillet.
How to Level It All the Way Up
You know me. I can’t stop at “good.” So here are a few ways to take this from great to next-level pizza queen:
Brush your crust with garlic butter. Before and after baking. This changes everything. Add banana peppers or jalapeños if your crew likes a kick. Swap mozzarella for a cheese blend with provolone or fontina for something closer to that cheesesteak flavor. Add mushrooms or even thinly sliced roast beef if you want to go all in. Use a cast iron pan or pizza stone if you have one—hello crispy bottom!
And don’t forget a drizzle. Ranch? Hot honey? A swirl of mayo and sriracha? Get wild.
What to Serve With It
Now let’s not overthink this. This pizza doesn’t need a fancy salad with shaved fennel and lemon zest. But if you want to throw something green on the plate so you feel like you tried, here’s what works:
A simple side salad with ranch or balsamic vinaigrette Garlic knots or breadsticks (because carbs on carbs is a love language) Pickles or pepperoncinis on the side for a salty bite Sweet tea, soda, or a cold beer—chef’s kiss
And for dessert? You could go all out with brownies, but honestly? A popsicle in peace is reward enough.
Real Life Reactions (Because the Silence Wasn’t the Only Thing)
Let me paint you a picture:
My husband took one bite, looked at me like I was the chosen one, and went back for seconds before he even finished the first slice. My daughter told me it was “better than delivery” and asked if I could make it again next week. Me? I sat there pretending to be humble while absolutely basking in the glory of my 20-minute masterpiece.
This pizza shut the house up, y’all. And in my world, that’s a win worth documenting.
Make It a Night
If you’re feeling extra, turn pizza night into a full-on event:
Let the kids help build their side of the pizza. They’re more likely to eat it that way, anyway. Light a candle and play some music. Suddenly you’re not in a kitchen, you’re in a whole vibe. Do a taste test with different toppings on each half. Make a TikTok or Reel and tag me so I can cheer you on from my own messy kitchen.
Wanna Try It?
Here’s the deal: I’m not gatekeeping this recipe, but I am going to ask you to let me know if you want it.
Why? Because I love seeing who’s cooking along with me—and who’s ready to level up their weeknight dinner game.
And if you make it? Tag @thelastresortlakehouse so I can see that cheesy goodness in action. I live for your kitchen wins.
Final Thoughts (and a Few Extra Crumbs)
I know it’s just pizza.
But when you’re busy, tired, overwhelmed, or just over it, pulling a homemade meal like this out of the oven feels like a small miracle.
And if something this easy, this comforting, and this ridiculously good can make your people happy (and keep them quiet for a minute)? I say throw on the apron and go for it.
Whether you make it exactly like mine or put your own twist on it, just know this:
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible.
Sometimes all it takes is a little beef, some cheese, and a good oven preheat.
❤️ From my oven to yours,
Tracy
The Last Resort Lake House
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