Ingredients
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 pound ground beef or chicken
- 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced (yellow or red)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or chicken until it is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to season the meat. Once cooked, remove from heat and drain any excess grease.
Tip: If using ground chicken, add a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan to prevent it from drying out.
Step 3: Prepare the English Muffins
Place the English muffin halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up. This helps them toast slightly and absorb the sauce better.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizzas
- Spread 1–2 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly over each muffin half.
- Add a few slices of bell pepper on top of the sauce.
- Spoon a small amount of the cooked meat over each muffin.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
Tip: Be careful not to overload the muffins with toppings, as too much can make them soggy.
Step 5: Bake the Pizzas
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
Tip: Keep an eye on the pizzas during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking. The cheese should be bubbly, and the edges of the muffins should be slightly crispy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
1. How to Prevent Soggy Muffins
- Lightly toast the English muffins in the oven for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings to create a firmer base.
- Avoid adding too much sauce, as excess moisture can make the muffins soft.
2. Cooking Meat Evenly
- When cooking ground beef or chicken, stir frequently to ensure even browning.
- If using pre-cooked chicken, shred it finely so it spreads evenly on the muffins.
3. How to Tell When Cheese is Perfectly Melted
- The cheese should be fully melted and slightly golden around the edges.
- If the cheese is melting too quickly but the muffins are not crispy yet, lower the oven temperature slightly and extend the cooking time by a minute or two.
4. Making This Recipe Ahead of Time
- You can prepare the toppings in advance and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Assemble the pizzas just before baking to keep them fresh.
5. Using a Toaster Oven or Air Fryer
- If you do not want to use a conventional oven, you can bake these in a toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes.
- In an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, checking frequently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes