Poor Man'S Pizza

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty, budget-friendly pizza alternative featuring seasoned ground beef, a fluffy batter base, and classic toppings like sauce and cheese, perfect for casual family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 (15 oz.) pizza sauce
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Brown hamburger and chopped onion in a skillet.
  3. Add salt and pepper to the meat mixture.
  4. Set aside the cooked meat mixture.
  5. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, oregano, eggs, and milk to make the batter.
  6. Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan and lightly sprinkle with cornmeal.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  8. Sprinkle the cooked meat mixture evenly over the batter.
  9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the batter is set and golden.
  10. Remove from oven and spread pizza sauce over the meat layer.
  11. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the sauce.
  12. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavorful twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture. If you're out of pizza sauce, marinara or spaghetti sauce works well as a substitute. To make it lighter, use ground turkey instead of hamburger. Also, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Poor Man's Pizza with a side salad for a complete meal. A simple green salad or a creamy coleslaw pairs well, balancing the rich flavors. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Speedy Baked Beans With Wieners for a comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This ensures the crust stays crispy while the cheese melts perfectly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poor Man'S Pizza contains roughly 543 calories, with 20g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (174% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), and calcium (113% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1747mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

543 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20g 40% DV
Total Fat 17.5g 22% DV
Carbs 93.1g 34% DV
Fiber 35g 100% DV
Sugar 17.6g 35% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1746.5mg 76% DV
Potassium 1354.3mg 29% DV
Cholesterol 30mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 133.1mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 41.2mg 46% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 1464mg 100% DV
Iron 31.3mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Poor Man's Pizza?

Yes, you can freeze Poor Man's Pizza! Allow it to cool completely, then slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, just bake from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella cheese is the traditional choice for Poor Man's Pizza due to its melting qualities and mild flavor. However, you can mix it with cheddar for a sharper taste or use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you're looking for a vegan option.

Can I add vegetables to the batter?

Absolutely! You can mix in finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or even grated carrots to the batter for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the moisture by reducing the milk slightly, so the batter remains the right consistency.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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