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–+ servings

School Pizza Recipe

Lunch lady pizza recipe captures the exact texture of those famous cafeteria squares without any fancy equipment. It serves a hungry crowd using just one pan and specific ingredients like powdered milk for that authentic soft bite. The result is a fluffy deep dish style crust loaded with seasoned beef and stretchy cheese that kids and adults crave.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
rise time: 1 HR 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 47 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12 SQUARES

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil plus more for the pan
  • ⅓ cup powdered milk optional, recommended
  • 1 –2 tablespoons cornmeal optional, for the pan

Sauce

  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 –3 tablespoons sugar to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar optional

Instructions
 

  • Make the dough: Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and powdered milk (if using). Add warm water and oil. Knead 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and rise 45–60 minutes until puffy.
  • Make the sauce: Stir together tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  • Cook the beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high. Drain grease. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Prep the pan: Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a 13×18 sheet pan generously with oil. Add cornmeal if using.
  • Press the dough: Press dough evenly into the pan, reaching the corners. Rest 5 minutes if it shrinks, then press again.
  • Par-bake: Bake 7–9 minutes until crust is set. Remove from oven.
  • Assemble: Spread sauce over crust. Add ground beef. Top with mozzarella (and cheddar if using).
  • Bake: Bake 10–14 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling and edges are golden. Broil 1–2 minutes if desired.
  • Rest + slice: Rest 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Powdered milk helps the crust bake up soft and bready, like cafeteria pizza.
Par-baking prevents a soggy center and helps slices hold together.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!