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School Lunch Pizza
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School Lunch Pizza

This nostalgic School Lunch Pizza tastes just like the classic cafeteria rectangle pizza so many of us grew up loving. Made with seasoned ground beef, whole milk mozzarella, refrigerated pizza crust, and one simple secret ingredient, it’s an easy family dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword Cafeteria Pizza, Homemade School Pizza, Lunch Lady Pizza, Rectangle Pizza, School Lunch Pizza, School Pizza Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 14 oz Refrigerated Pizza Crust
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 tsp each Garlic Powder, Onion Powder and Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp each Salt and Pepper
  • 14 oz Jar of Pizza Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Whole Fennel Seeds
  • 16 oz Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Unroll the pizza crust onto an 18 x 13-inch sheet pan, using the parchment paper included with the crust if available.
  • Bake the crust for 7 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, using a potato masher to break it into very fine crumbles.Season the beef with the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then remove from the heat.
  • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the prebaked crust.
  • Sprinkle on all but about ½ cup of the seasoned beef.
  • Evenly sprinkle the fennel seeds over the beef.
  • Top with the mozzarella cheese.
  • Finish by sprinkling the reserved ½ cup of ground beef over the cheese.
  • Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly browned.

Notes

Storage

Allow the pizza to cool completely before storing.
Place leftover slices in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes!
Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

Air Fryer

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is hot and crisp.

Microwave

Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your microwave. The crust won’t be quite as crisp, but it’s still incredibly good.

Oven

Place the pizza on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes.