Slugburger Pizza Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles
- 1/4 cup diced onions

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Cast iron skillet
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, and water. Mix until well combined.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef mixture and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
4. Place the pre-made pizza crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce.
6. Top the pizza with the cooked beef mixture, sliced pickles, and diced onions.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 425°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, serving 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground pork or turkey.
- Cornmeal can be substituted with breadcrumbs or panko.
- Pizza sauce can be substituted with tomato sauce or marinara sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with cheddar cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Pickles can be substituted with banana peppers or jalapeños.
- Onions can be substituted with green onions or shallots.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the pizza toppings.
- Use a cauliflower crust or gluten-free crust for a low-carb or gluten-free option.
- Top the pizza with a drizzle of ranch dressing or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cook the beef mixture until it is crispy and browned for the best texture.
- Use a pizza stone or baking sheet to ensure the crust cooks evenly.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the toppings from sliding off.

Storage Instructions:
- Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat leftover pizza, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pizza on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crust is not crispy enough, try pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
- If the toppings are sliding off the pizza, let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food History:
- Slugburgers are a regional specialty in the Mississippi Delta, made with a mixture of ground beef and cornmeal.

Flavor Profiles:
- This pizza has a crispy crust, savory beef topping, tangy pickles, and sweet onions for a unique and delicious flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Cheesy, Spicy, Meaty