Easy Home Made Pizza

An Easy No-Knead Pizza Crust with Homemade Sauce and Family-Favorite Toppings

This easy homemade pizza recipe comes straight from my mother’s recipe box. It was one of her go-to meals when she needed something filling, affordable, and guaranteed to make everyone happy.

What makes this pizza special is the crust. There’s no kneading and only a short 15-minute rise time, which means you can have homemade pizza on the table quickly. My mom often made this in a large sheet pan, loading it up with whatever toppings we had on hand.

Now in our own home, we love pairing it with our homemade pizza sauce instead of store-bought. It truly takes this simple pizza over the top. And the best part? You can customize it any way you like.

Ingredients:

 

For The Crust: 

1 pkg. active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp. bulk dry yeast) 
1 tsp. sugar
1 c. warm water
1/3 c. dry milk powder
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. olive oil (or vegetable oil) 

For The Toppings:

1 can (8 oz. ) pizza sauce (or about 1 pint homemade pizza sauce)
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
2 c. pepperoni
1/3 c. Parmesan cheese
Olives (Optional)
Sweet Peppers (Optional)
Jalapenos (Optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease or oil a 15x10x1-inch baking pan and set aside.

Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand for 5–8 minutes until foamy.

Add the dry milk powder, flour, salt, and oil. Stir vigorously for about 20 strokes until well combined. The dough will be soft.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm place for 15 minutes.

While the dough is resting, it is time to prepare the toppings.

 In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set aside.

Turn the dough out onto the prepared pan. Lightly oil your fingers and press the dough evenly into the pan. Build up the edges slightly to help hold in the sauce.

Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Top with cooked beef and onions, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, pepperoni, and any additional toppings. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Slice and serve warm.

Tips for Best Success:

• Make sure your water is between 105–110°F so the yeast activates properly.
• Oil your hands before pressing out the dough to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overload the pizza with sauce or toppings, or the crust may become soggy.
• For extra flavor, add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon garlic powder to the dough or mix in minced fresh garlic.
• Sprinkle black pepper or Italian seasoning over the crust before adding sauce for added flavor.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Meat options: Italian sausage, ham, cooked chicken, or bacon.
• Cheese swap: Use provolone, Colby Jack, or all mozzarella.
• Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and load up with mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and olives.
• Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra jalapeños.
• Garlic lovers: Brush crust edges with melted butter and garlic before baking.

 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a simple green salad and Italian dressing.
• Pair with garlic Parmesan dinner rolls.
• Add breadsticks with homemade pizza sauce for dipping.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced family meal.

How to Store:

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for best texture.

Freeze:
Freeze baked slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. After the 15-minute rise, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before pressing into the pan.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. After mixing, allow it to rise once, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Do I have to use dry milk powder?
It helps create a softer crust, but you can substitute with regular milk in place of some of the water.

Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza sauce adds incredible flavor and makes this pizza even better.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your water may have been too hot or too cool. Yeast activates best between 105–110°F.