Stuffed-Crust Pizza
Quick Cooking
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There's no pizza delivery in our rural community, so I rely on this recipe instead. The edges of the no-fail homemade crust are filled with string cheese, and the hearty toppings can be varied to suit your preference. Try the dough for making breadsticks or bread bowls.
SERVINGS: 4
CATEGORY: Main Dish
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 20 min.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons cornmeal
- 4 ounces string cheese
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
In a skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine 2-1/2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, yeast, sugar and salt.
In a saucepan, heat water and oil to 120°-130°. Add to the dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle cornmeal over a greased 14-in. pizza pan.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 15-in. circle. Transfer to prepared pan, letting dough drape over the edge. Cut string cheese in half lengthwise; place around edge of pan. Fold dough over string cheese; pinch to seal. Prick dough thoroughly with a fork. Bake at 375° for 5 minutes.
Combine pizza sauce and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; spread half over crust. Sprinkle with beef mixture and mushrooms; cover with remaining pizza sauce mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheeses and remaining Italian seasoning. Bake 18-20 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. Yield: 8 slices.