• Gather the dough ingredients so you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.

Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons cornmeal, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
  2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 5 tablespoons yellow cornmeal, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Add in 1 cup warm water and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Mix until incorporated, then knead by hand or kneading hook for about 4-5 minutes, until a nice dough forms that is smooth and elastic.
  1 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Form into a ball and place in a large greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise for 30 minutes until nearly doubled.
• Using a rolling pin or your fingers, form the dough into an oblong shape about 15″ x 9″.
• Sprinkle oblong baking sheet with the remaining 2 tablespoons cornmeal. Place the dough on the pan and press to fit, being careful not to touch the outer edges of the dough.
• Cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow the dough to rise for 20-30 minutes until puffy.

Make the Pizza Sauce

• Preheat oven to 425℉. In a small saucepan, mix together 15.5 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried minced onion, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt.
  15.5 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried minced onion, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• Bring the sauce to a boil and then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered stirring frequently for 20-25 minutes until it has reduced and thickened.

Prepare the Toppings

• Using a Chef’s knife and cutting board, dice 1/2 cup sweet onion and 1/2 cup green bell pepper. You’ll want about 1/2 cup of each.
  1/2 cup sweet onion, 1/2 cup green bell pepper
• In a medium skillet, brown 1/2 pound ground beef over medium high heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the meat along with 1/4 cup water. Simmer on low until the water is nearly gone, about 12-15 minutes.
  1/2 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 cup water

Assemble the Pizza

• Begin assembling the pizza by spreading the tomato sauce over the risen dough to about 1-inch from outer edges.
• Next, spread the meat mixture over the sauce, as desired. (You may opt not to use all of the tomato sauce and/or meat mixture.)
• Place 12 slices American cheese in a row on the pizza, leaving a bit of space for the cheese to spread.
  12 slices American cheese
• Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the crust is lightly browned. (Do not worry if the cheese has darkly browned in spots. It still tastes yummy.)
• Remove the pan from the oven and allow the pizza to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. With a pastry wheel or knife, slice the pizza into squares, using the cheese slices as a guide.
• Serves 8-12.