Homemade Bolognese Pizza

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INTRODUCTION

Bolognese pizza is an Italian dish that combines the rich flavor of homemade Bolognese sauce with a soft pizza dough and a layer of melted cheese. It’s a perfect meal for family dinners or gatherings with friends, and it will delight fans of authentic Italian flavors. In this detailed recipe, you will learn how to prepare each step, from making the Bolognese sauce to baking the pizza, for a delicious and satisfying result.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE BOLOGNESE SAUCE

• • 500g of ground beef (you can also use a mixture of beef and veal for a softer texture)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely grated or chopped into small cubes
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped into small pieces
  • 400g of chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for sautéing the vegetables and meat)
  • 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as basil and oregano)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup of milk (optional, helps reduce the acidity of the tomatoes)
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar (if needed, to counteract the acidity of the tomatoes)

INGREDIENTS FOR THE PIZZA

• • 1 pizza dough (either homemade or store-bought)
  • 200g of grated mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella that you can tear into pieces)
  • 100g of grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds a delicious flavor)
  • A few fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional, but adds a nice fresh touch)
  • A bit of olive oil to brush the dough before baking

PREPARATION THE BOLOGNESE SAUCE

1. 1. 1. Prepare the vegetables

         Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, grated carrot, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly golden. This stage allows the vegetables to release their flavors.

      2. Cook the meat
         

         Add the ground beef to the pan with the vegetables. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat up into small pieces, ensuring there are no large chunks. Cook until the meat turns brown and loses its pink color.

      3. Add the tomatoes and spices

         Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste into the pan. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. If you’re using milk, add it at this point to soften the acidity. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.

      4. Simmer the sauce

         Allow the sauce to cook gently on low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should reduce and develop a rich, flavorful texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs as needed.

PREPARATION THE PIZZA

1. 1. 1. Preheat the oven
         

         Preheat your oven to 220°C (or 200°C for a fan oven). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up before baking the pizza.

      2. Prepare the pizza dough

         If you’re making homemade pizza dough, roll it out on a clean, lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to shape the dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on the size of your baking sheet. If you’re using store-bought dough, simply unroll it and place it on your baking sheet.

      3. Assemble the pizza

         Spread a generous layer of the Bolognese sauce over the dough. Make sure the sauce covers the entire surface, but don’t make it too wet. Then, evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by a little grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

      4. Bake the pizza

         Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted with a hint of golden color.

      5. Garnish the pizza

         Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and add a few fresh basil leaves on top. You can also drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor. Let the pizza rest for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

TIPS AND EXTRA IDEAS

• Homemade dough: If you’re making homemade dough, you can let it rise for about 1 hour before rolling it out to achieve a lighter texture.
• Alternative sauces: For a lighter version, you can replace part of the meat with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Cheese options: For an even richer pizza, you can add ricotta or gorgonzola along with the mozzarella.
• Additional toppings: You can also add black olives or capers before baking for an extra Mediterranean flavor.

SERVING

Serve this homemade Bolognese pizza hot, with a side of green salad for a balanced and delicious meal. The combination of rich, hearty flavors and the fresh basil makes this pizza perfect for any occasion.