Texas Toast Pizza starts with garlic-infused Texas toast and is piled high with saucy ground beef, melty mozzarella, and miniature pepperoni. A family-favorite, simple meal!
author’s note
The Easiest Pizza Hack You’ll Ever Try!
My college roommate introduced me to Texas toast back in my sophomore year, and I may or may not have immediately called my mom to ask why we never had it growing up. I was hooked from the first bite. Garlic flavor or nothing!
So today’s recipe is a little throwback to those college days, but with a fun twist: Texas Toast Pizza. It doesn’t get much easier than this. And hey, making this now might just save you from getting a call from your kids one day asking why you kept this magic from them for so long.
Ingredients In Texas Toast Pizza
| Ingredient | Quick Tips / Swaps |
|---|---|
| Garlic Texas Toast | Sub plain Texas toast brushed with butter + garlic; par-bake for crunch. |
| Lean Ground Beef | Swap turkey, chicken, or plant crumbles; drain fat. |
| Pizza Sauce | Any thick marinara works; or perk up tomato sauce with oil, sugar, oregano. |
| Shredded Mozzarella | Part-skim to lighten; mix in provolone or cheddar; grate fresh for best melt. |
| Mini Pepperoni | skippable—use chopped pepperoni, cooked sausage, or sautéed veggies. |
| Olive Oil | Butter or avocado oil work; skip if beef isn’t very lean. |
| Italian Seasoning | Equal parts dried oregano + basil; add chili flakes for heat. |
Texas Toast Pizza Tips
- Freshest beef: Pick the package with the farthest sell-by date.
- Pan scorching hot: Heat cast iron until it smokes slightly, then add meat so it browns, not steams.
- Let it sear: Give beef a couple minutes untouched to crust before breaking it up; early stirring keeps it gray.
- Serve right away: Texas Toast Pizzas soften fast—call everyone over before they leave the oven.
These Texas Toast Pizzas come together so quickly so we don’t want to spend a whole bunch of time on sides. But if you like, here are a few suggestions.
Texas Toast Pizza Serving Suggestions
- straightforward veggie sides: Roast Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes, Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, or Mixed Veggies—same temp as the pizzas. Or use the air fryer for speed.
- Quick salads: Try Olive Garden, Panzanella, Greek, or Quinoa Salad—or grab a pre-made kit like Caesar.
- Fresh fruit: Watermelon, cantaloupe, or grapes make fast, no-cook sides.
Variations
Texas Toast Pizza variations
- Not sure about Texas toast? I’ve made this recipe on toasted brioche buns and also loved it that way!
- Leave off the mini pepperoni or replace it with other pizza toppings that will pair with the beef mixture — think cooked sausage, peppers, mushrooms, olives, and/or onions
- Try a different cheese or a blend of different cheeses
More Pizza Recipes:
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Naan Margherita Pizza
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straightforward Blackberry Basil Pizza
