Name: Quick Biscuit Dough Pizza with Ground Beef and Pepperoni Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp oil; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp red chili flakes; ⅛ tsp black pepper; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 6 tbsp cold butter; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or 2 tbsp lemon juice mixed with 1 ⅓ cups milk); 1 ½ cups prepared pizza sauce; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup pepperoni slices (4 oz); Torn basil leaves (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

If you are on the lookout for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in a flash, this Quick Biscuit Dough Pizza with Ground Beef and Pepperoni Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine a golden, flaky biscuit crust baked to perfection, bubbling with melty mozzarella, savory ground beef seasoned just right, and pepperoni slices adding that irresistible zing. It’s a fun twist on classic pizza that transforms simple pantry staples into a homey, satisfying dinner that everyone will rave about. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where you want delicious food without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Top view of a white marbled surface with several white bowls and a silver bowl arranged neatly. In the silver bowl at the bottom is white flour with a metal whisk resting inside. To the left, a white bowl contains round slices of red pepperoni. Above that, a white plate holds a generous pile of shredded white mozzarella cheese. To the right, a white dish is filled with cooked, brown ground beef. In the top right corner, a white bowl holds bright red tomato sauce. A green basil plant in a small pot sits near the center top of the image. The scene has soft natural light and clean, simple styling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It’s amazing how a handful of basic ingredients can come together to create such a flavorful dish. Each component in this Quick Biscuit Dough Pizza with Ground Beef and Pepperoni Recipe plays an essential role, from the tender biscuit dough that forms the sturdy yet tender base, to the spice-rubbed ground beef and savory pepperoni toppings. Let’s dive into these simple, easy-to-find ingredients that make all the difference.

2 tbsp oil: For perfectly browning the ground beef and bringing out its flavor.
1 lb ground beef: Makes the pizza hearty and packed with protein.
1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the beef and dough to enhance all flavors.
1 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the beef.
¼ tsp garlic powder: Brings classic garlicky warmth without overpowering.
¼ tsp red chili flakes: For a hint of kick to balance the richness.
⅛ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the biscuit dough, providing structure.
1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the biscuit dough rise and become light and fluffy.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create a tender crumb.
1/2 tsp kosher salt: Balanced saltiness in the biscuit dough.
6 tbsp butter (cold): Key to that flaky, rich biscuit texture.
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or lemon juice + milk): Activates the baking soda and adds tangy moisture to the dough.
1 ½ cups prepared pizza sauce: Tangy and seasoned, it ties the toppings together beautifully.
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey topping every pizza deserves.
1 cup pepperoni slices (about 4 oz): Adds a spicy, savory bite that contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheese.
Torn basil leaves: Fresh, aromatic finish that brightens every bite.

How to Make Quick Biscuit Dough Pizza with Ground Beef and Pepperoni Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF to ensure a hot environment for baking the biscuit crust to golden perfection. Line a 9×13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper; this will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having your baking pan ready ahead helps keep the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Topping

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, red chili flakes, and black pepper. Stir occasionally while cooking for about 5 minutes, until the beef is nicely browned and fully cooked. This seasoned beef mixture is where the bold, savory heartiness of the pizza comes from, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Make the Biscuit Dough Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Next, grate the cold butter into the mixture — this technique ensures the butter stays cold and creates flaky layers. After mixing the dry ingredients and butter, stir in the buttermilk gently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until a shaggy, rustic dough forms. The dough should be slightly uneven and soft, which is exactly what you want for that tender biscuit crust texture.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Biscuit Dough

Spoon the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Use hands dampened with water to press the dough evenly across the pan’s surface, creating a uniform pizza base. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes – this first bake firms up the dough so that it holds all the topping saucily and doesn’t get soggy.

Step 5: Add the Signature Toppings and Finish Baking

Pull the par-baked crust from the oven and spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the top. Add the shredded mozzarella, cooked ground beef, and pepperoni slices, then sprinkle with more cheese if you want that epic cheese pull. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Finish with torn basil leaves for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving.

How to Serve Quick Biscuit Dough Pizza with Ground Beef and Pepperoni Recipe

A thick rectangular pizza on parchment paper in a metal tray, with a rough orange tomato sauce base, a layer of browned ground meat spread evenly, scattered slices of red pepperoni, and melted white cheese blobs melting into the topping. Fresh green basil leaves are placed on top, adding color contrast. One slice is being lifted by a woman's hand with a metal spatula, showing melted cheese stretching slightly. The background is a white marbled surface with loose basil leaves and a green plant pot in the corner, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Torn fresh basil leaves bring a wonderful herbal brightness to each slice, cutting through the rich cheese and beef. You can also sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes, grated Parmesan, or even a drizzle of honey for a subtle sweet contrast that jazzes up the flavors. These simple garnishes make every bite feel gourmet.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw also complement the hearty pizza without overwhelming it. If you want to keep the meal classic, garlic knots or breadsticks alongside make for a total crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual entertaining, cut the pizza into small squares and serve on a platter as fun finger food at a party. Or layer it with extra cheese and bake in smaller cast iron skillets for individual servings that impress guests. Serving with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or marinara elevates the experience even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pizza by first freezing slices on a tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices will keep well for up to 2 months. This technique helps retain the crust’s texture and prevents slices from sticking together.

Reheating

To revive leftover or frozen pizza slices, reheat in a preheated oven at 375ºF on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese melts anew. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep the biscuit crust flaky and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use regular dough instead of biscuit dough?

You can use regular pizza dough, but the biscuit dough gives this recipe its signature flaky, tender texture that sets it apart. The biscuit crust adds a delicious buttery crunch you won’t get with traditional dough.

Is buttermilk necessary in the biscuit dough?

Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help the biscuit dough rise and keeps it moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing lemon juice with milk works perfectly as a substitute, preserving the tang and texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and pepperoni and load up with your favorite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and spinach. You can even add plant-based sausage for a similar savory bite.

How spicy is this pizza?

The recipe includes just a small amount of red chili flakes, providing a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes or choosing milder or hotter pepperoni varieties.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, doubling is straightforward. Use a larger baking pan or two pans and increase ingredient quantities accordingly. Keep baking times similar, but check the crust and cheese for doneness as ovens can vary.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Biscuit Dough Pizza with Ground Beef and Pepperoni Recipe is truly a game-changer for pizza night. Its buttery biscuit crust combined with hearty beef and flavorful pepperoni delivers a comforting meal that feels special without demanding tons of effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this recipe offers a delightful balance of ease and indulgence. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite on your weekly dinner rotation!