How to Make Mushroom and Meat Pizza at Home

Mushroom and meat pizza has been adapted to suit Iranian tastes and has gained widespread popularity. While pizza originated in Italy, it made its way to Iran in the 1940s and quickly became a favorite. Today, pizzerias and restaurant menus in Iran offer a wide variety of pizzas, including mushroom pizza, tuna pizza, calzone, eggplant and garlic pizza, and many more.

Iranians are often described as picky eaters who are cautious about foreign cuisines. Many travelers even carry canned food when visiting other countries. This hesitation is understandable—Iranian cuisine is uniquely flavorful and rich, while many Western dishes use unfamiliar ingredients or are served partially cooked, which doesn’t always appeal to Iranian palates.

That said, pizza is one of the few international dishes that has won over Iranians. Its adaptability, rich flavors, and hearty ingredients have made it a staple in many households.

Ingredients for Mushroom and Meat Pizza

• Ready-made pizza dough: 3 pieces

• Mushrooms: 5 medium-sized, sliced

• Bell peppers: 2 medium-sized, chopped

• Onion: 1 medium-sized, chopped

• Grated pizza cheese: 500 grams

• Sliced cheese: 5 pieces

• Ground meat: 400 grams

• Paprika powder: 1 teaspoon

• Salt, pepper, and turmeric: To taste

Instructions for Mushroom and Meat Pizza

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

   • Heat some oil in a frying pan.

   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden.

   • Add the ground meat and cook until it releases its juices.

   • Season with turmeric, salt, and pepper, and stir well.

   • Avoid overcooking the meat—about 80% doneness is sufficient, as it will finish cooking in the oven.

2. Add Vegetables:

   • Stir in the chopped bell peppers and sauté briefly.

   • Add the sliced mushrooms and continue stirring.

   • Sprinkle in the paprika powder and mix thoroughly.

3. Prepare the Sauce and Cheese:

   • Mix the filling with your choice of sauce (ketchup, mayonnaise, or mustard).

   • Add sliced cheese to the mixture to keep it moist and flavorful.

4. Prepare the Dough:

   • Spread a layer of ketchup sauce evenly over the pizza dough.

   • Add a thin, even layer of grated pizza cheese on top.

5. Assemble the Pizza:

   • Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the dough.

   • Add another layer of grated pizza cheese on top.

   • For extra flavor, sprinkle a little thyme.

   • Garnish with tomato slices or olives if desired.

6. Bake the Pizza:

   • Preheat the oven to 300°C for about 30–45 minutes.

   • Bake the pizza on the lower rack for about 6 minutes to ensure the crust is fully cooked.

   • Move the pizza to the upper rack and continue baking until the cheese is melted and golden.

7. Serve:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven, slice, and enjoy!

Ingredients for Mushroom and Meat Pizza (Alternative Method)

• Ground meat: 100 grams

• Onion: 1 medium-sized, finely chopped

• Mushrooms: 100 grams, sliced

• Grated pizza cheese: 100 grams

• Chopped bell pepper: ½ cup

• Salt and pepper: To taste

• Pizza dough: As needed

Instructions for Mushroom and Meat Pizza (Alternative Method)

1. Prepare the Filling:

   • Heat some oil in a frying pan.

   • Sauté the onion until golden.

   • Add the ground meat and cook until browned.

   • Stir in the sliced mushrooms and sauté briefly.

   • Add tomato paste, salt, and pepper and mix thoroughly.

2. Prepare the Dough:

   • Lightly grease a baking tray.

   • Spread a layer of tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

   • Add a layer of grated pizza cheese to cover the dough.

   • Spread the meat and mushroom mixture evenly on top.

   • Add another layer of grated cheese.

   • Sprinkle chopped bell peppers on top for extra color and flavor.

4. Bake the Pizza:

   • Preheat the oven to 200°C.

   • Bake the pizza for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Mushroom and Meat Pizza:

• Add a sprinkle of thyme while assembling or serving for an aromatic touch.

• Garnish with tomato slices or olives for extra flavor and presentation.

• If you don’t have an oven, you can use a skillet or cake pan to cook the pizza on the stovetop.

• For added richness, you can sauté a clove of garlic with the onions.

Enjoy your homemade mushroom and meat pizza—crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious!