Introduction

This Patty Melt Pizza combines the savory flavors of a classic patty melt with a crispy, golden focaccia crust. Topped with caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and a blend of cheeses, it’s a comforting twist on traditional pizza that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

A cast iron skillet holds a sliced, thick pizza with a golden brown crust base. The first layer inside is cooked ground beef spread evenly on the crust, covered by a rich layer of melted cheese that is golden and slightly bubbly, mixed with another creamy orange sauce drizzled over the top. Bits of green herbs are sprinkled lightly over the cheese. A metal spatula with a wooden handle lifts one slice from the skillet. The skillet rests on a wooden surface, accompanied by small wooden bowls of green herbs and a creamy white dipping sauce, and a black plate with a piece of cheesy bread, all against a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup warm water (110°F–115°F)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons garlic, minced, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 pound ground beef
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper, plus 2 teaspoons for sauce
1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
⅔ cup (155 g) mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together half of the olive oil, half the minced garlic, and half the kosher salt. Add half of this oil mixture to the yeast mixture.
Step 3: Stir in the flour until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: While the dough rises, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until soft and golden. Remove onions and set aside.
Step 5: In the same skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, remaining kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, black pepper, chopped parsley, and remaining minced garlic to make the sauce. Set aside.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Pour the remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast iron skillet and brush to evenly coat the bottom and sides.
Step 8: Transfer the risen dough to the oiled skillet. Press it with your fingers to the edges and create dimples on the surface. Bake for 12 minutes until slightly puffed.
Step 9: Remove the crust from the oven and spread half of the prepared sauce (about ½ cup) evenly over it.
Step 10: Layer the seasoned beef and caramelized onions evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Step 11: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 13–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 12: Drizzle the remaining sauce over the pizza just before serving and garnish with chopped parsley. Slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a few slices of pickles or sautéed mushrooms to the toppings before baking.
Use mozzarella and cheddar cheese blends with sharpness or smoked varieties for a different cheese profile.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a rimmed baking sheet brushed with oil will work as well.
Make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight to develop deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the crust crisp, or gently warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

How to Serve

A close-up of a slice of deep-dish pizza being lifted from a black cast iron skillet with a metal spatula. The slice has three visible layers: the bottom layer is thick, golden, and crispy crust with a crunchy texture; the middle layer is a hearty mix of cooked ground beef with a slightly browned surface and bits of melted onions; the top layer is a generous amount of melted cheese in creamy white and orange colors, drizzled with a white creamy sauce and sprinkled with green herbs. The background shows more of the same pizza inside the skillet, sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of focaccia dough?

Yes, store-bought dough can save time and works well, but it may result in a different texture and thickness compared to homemade focaccia dough.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar can provide a similar tangy, savory flavor.