Description
Transform your classic pizza cravings into a delightful bite-sized treat with these Pizza Muffin Melts. Perfectly merging the savory flavors of ground meats, mushrooms, and cheese atop a crisp English muffin, this dish offers a whimsical yet satisfying approach to casual dining or snacking. Whether it’s a family meal, a party appetizer, or a quick dinner, these melts are sure to impress all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground sausage (bulk or Italian)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 6 English muffins
- 2 ounces pepperoni, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-step Directions
1. Brown the Meats
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and ground sausage until partially browned. Midway through, add the butter, mushrooms, and onion, continuing to cook until all the meat is thoroughly browned and the onions have softened.
2. Add Garlic and Herbs
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Incorporate the minced garlic and marjoram, cooking and stirring constantly for about one minute to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Mix in the marinara sauce into the skillet. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for approximately 7-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine thoroughly.
4. Prepare the English Muffins
While the sauce simmers, split the English muffins and lay them on a baking sheet. Toast them under a broiler until they turn golden brown.
5. Assemble the Muffin Melts
Spoon the meat and sauce mixture evenly over the toasted English muffins. Top each with diced pepperoni and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
6. Broil
Place the assembled muffin melts back under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. Watch them carefully to avoid burning.
Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time
- Servings: 6-12 (1/2 or whole muffin per serving)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Pizza Muffin Melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
Conclusion
The Pizza Muffin Melts recipe is an excellent example of how traditional flavors can be reinvented into something exciting and new. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also adds a twist of fun to your cooking adventures. It’s a quick, easy, and versatile option suitable for any occasion, from a simple snack to a festive gathering.
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Pizza Muffin Melts
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 6-12 (1/2 or whole muffin per serving)
Description
Transform your classic pizza cravings into a delightful bite-sized treat with these Pizza Muffin Melts. Perfectly merging the savory flavors of ground meats, mushrooms, and cheese atop a crisp English muffin, this dish offers a whimsical yet satisfying approach to casual dining or snacking. Whether it’s a family meal, a party appetizer, or a quick dinner, these melts are sure to impress all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground sausage (bulk or Italian)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 6 English muffins
- 2 ounces pepperoni, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meats: In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and ground sausage until partially browned. Midway through, add the butter, mushrooms, and onion, continuing to cook until all the meat is thoroughly browned and the onions have softened.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Incorporate the minced garlic and marjoram, cooking and stirring constantly for about one minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Simmer the Sauce: Mix in the marinara sauce into the skillet. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for approximately 7-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine thoroughly.
- Prepare the English Muffins: While the sauce simmers, split the English muffins and lay them on a baking sheet. Toast them under a broiler until they turn golden brown.
- Assemble the Muffin Melts: Spoon the meat and sauce mixture evenly over the toasted English muffins. Top each with diced pepperoni and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Broil: Place the assembled muffin melts back under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. Watch them carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Not specified