Pin It My friend Sarah showed up one Friday evening with a craving for pizza that sounded ridiculous at first—creamy Alfredo on a pizza base instead of the usual red sauce. I was skeptical, but the moment that buttery Alfredo hit the dough alongside the browned ground beef, something clicked. Now whenever I need comfort food that feels a little fancy without the fuss, this is what I make.
The first time I made this for my family dinner, my kids went quiet the moment they took their first bites—not because anything was wrong, but because they were genuinely surprised by how good it was. My mom asked for the recipe before she'd even finished her slice, which felt like the ultimate kitchen victory.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough: Store-bought is perfectly fine and saves you time—I learned to stop feeling guilty about shortcuts that actually work.
- 8 oz ground beef: Brown it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano for seasoning that builds as it cooks.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce luxurious; don't skip it or substitute with milk.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for the base of your Alfredo; salted butter can throw off the salt balance.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded, though I've used both in a pinch.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a whisper of nutmeg transforms the sauce from basic to sophisticated.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This is your melty topping that gets bubbly and golden in the oven.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Optional but worth the tiny effort for that fresh finish at the end.
Instructions
- Heat your oven and prepare:
- Preheat to 475°F and get your pizza stone in there if you're using one. A hot oven is non-negotiable for a crispy crust.
- Brown the beef with intention:
- Cook your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with all the seasonings, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. You want it cooked through and flavorful, about 5 to 7 minutes, then drain off any excess fat.
- Build your Alfredo sauce:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan, add heavy cream, and bring it to a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil. Stir in Parmesan and nutmeg until melted and thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes, then taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Stretch and prepare your dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer it to parchment paper on your baking sheet, or use a pizza peel if you're brave enough for a stone.
- Layer with purpose:
- Spread the Alfredo sauce evenly, leaving about an inch around the edge so your crust can puff up. Scatter the cooked ground beef over the sauce, then top with mozzarella and a final sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly with light browning on top. Watch it during the last few minutes so the edges don't char.
- Finish and serve:
- Let it cool for just a minute, garnish with fresh parsley if you have it, slice with a pizza cutter, and serve while everything is still warm and melty.
Pin It There's something almost magical about watching someone taste this pizza for the first time and see their expression shift from curiosity to pure contentment. It's the kind of dish that makes people feel cared for without you having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why This Pizza Works
Alfredo sauce on pizza sounds unconventional until you realize it's just another way to celebrate cream and cheese, which are always welcome on a pizza. The ground beef adds a savory anchor that keeps the richness from feeling too heavy, and the whole thing bakes up with crispy edges and a tender, cheese-laden center. It's comfort food that feels intentional, not lazy.
Making It Your Own
I've added sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and even roasted garlic on different occasions, and every version has been delicious. If you want something lighter, ground turkey or chicken swap in beautifully without changing the technique at all. The foundation is solid enough to handle your variations.
Serving and Pairing
A crisp green salad alongside this pizza cuts through the richness perfectly, and a glass of Chardonnay or even a simple white wine feels like an elegant touch for a casual meal. I've also served it with crusty bread and roasted vegetables when I wanted to make it feel more restaurant-like, and it all comes together effortlessly.
- Slice while hot and serve immediately so the cheese is at its most melty and generous.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, though I rarely have any left behind.
- This makes enough for 4 hungry people, or 2 people with generous appetites and great leftovers.
Pin It This pizza has become my go-to when I want something that tastes special but doesn't require chef-level skills or a long ingredient list. It's proof that sometimes the best dishes come from happy accidents and being willing to break the pizza rules.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prepare the ground beef for the topping?
Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the fat before topping.
- → What ingredients create the Alfredo sauce?
The Alfredo sauce is made by simmering heavy cream and butter, then stirring in grated Parmesan and ground nutmeg until thickened and smooth.
- → Can I use store-bought dough for this pizza?
Yes, store-bought or homemade pizza dough can be rolled out and used as the base for this pizza.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake the pizza at 475°F (245°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- → Are there suggested variations for toppings?
For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.