Everyone enjoys a pizza night! That’s a given. What’s not a given is the kind of pizza we all enjoy lol. The age-old debate of what’s the ultimate pizza topping will continue to rage for centuries ahead. All I can tell you is this Quick Spicy Beef (Sujuk) Pizza is a must try. It adds a punch of flavor and savoriness really hits the pizza spot!
Whether you’re a fan of meat on your pizza or not (of course unless you’re vegan), you need to try this recipe out! It packs a load of savory and spicy flavors into a traditional family favorite dish. It’s not you’re run-of-the-mill minced meat or ground beef topping. Sujuk is a Middle Eastern ground beef turned sausage that will knock your socks off!
What is Sujuk?
Sujuk (also known as soudjouk, sucuk, sudzhuk and even soutzouki) starts off as a marbleized cut of beef. It’s actually known to have a high fat content which helps it lean more to a savory and salty taste. It’s characterized by a dry texture and aromatic spices once it’s turned into sausage.
Now, traditionally sujuk is seasoned ground beef turned into sausage by encasing it in sheep or goat intestines. But, it doesn’t necessarily have to be in sausage form. To perfect it in sausage form, you need at least three weeks of storage at just the right temps to ensure the best texture.
However, to get a delicious and unforgettable taste of sujuk, all you really need is the perfectly balanced combination of sujuk spices (which I’ve got you covered with) and some ground beef!
In many Middle Eastern countries, especially Lebanon, sujuk is served in a baguette or in pita bread with tomatoes, pickles, and garlic sauce. It’s usually pressed in a panini or on a grill!
How to Make Sujuk
First, you get the cut of meat that you prefer. Next, you ask your butcher to ground that meat for you or put in your meat grinder at home if you have one. Then, you brown your beef on low to medium heat in a skillet on the stove. Right before it’s fully cooked through (about ten to fifteen minutes time or until completely browned) you add the sujuk spices and some salt and mix well. Turn off the heat and voila! You have a delectable sujuk pan ready for eating or to be used as topping.
You can also choose to add your sujuk spices to the meat while it’s raw. Many butchers do this when they sell you already prepared sujuk whether it’s in sausage form or not. You can also do this to raw ground meat before freezing it so you can have sujuk on hand when you need it. Just thaw the meat over night in the fridge beforehand. I love adding the spices in at the end because it enhances the sujuk spice flavors when added after cooking and has a fresher taste!
Reasons to Indulge in Spicy Beef (Sujuk) Pizza
- It’s a great way to create a savory and satisfying pizza dish.
- Perfect for meat-lovers who want to switch up from typical pepperoni or plain ground beef.
- Great way to put your sujuk spices and sujuk making skills to use!
- It’s a family-friendly meal that is satisfying.
- Super easy and quick to put together on rushed hectic days or nights.
Homemade Ten Minute Dough
Yes! I swap out sugar for honey often and it works just as well.
It’s all in the measurements and temperatures. Make sure you stick to the measurements in the recipe for the amount of necessary yeast and ensure the water is warm. Cold or hot water won’t activate the yeast properly and leave you with flat dough.
The best part of my dough recipe is that it’s a timesaver! Only ten minutes after kneading and you can start rolling it out.
Tips for Quick Spicy Beef (Sujuk) Pizza
- Use my ten minute dough recipe for a delicious pizza base and to save time and effort!
- You can use my sujuk spices recipe or swap out some of the ingredients for your own favorite spices as long as you safeguard the main flavors: cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Feel free to add any other toppings your or your family love to the sujuk pizza for added flavors!
- Save some sujuk on the side and make a sandwich or two with garlic sauce or mayo, tomatoes, and pickles. YUM!
- Sprinkle some extra cheese on top after adding the sujuk!
- Serve with your favorite side salad or a plate of pickles!
Ingredients for Quick Spicy Beef (Sujuk) Pizza
Dough
- flour
- yeast
- warm water
- olive oil
Sujuk Meat
- ground beef
- olive oil
- sujuk spice
- cayenne pepper (optional)
- salt to taste
Pizza Toppings
- mozzarella cheese
- pizza or pasta sauce
- garlic powder
- dried oregano
- mushrooms
- black olives
- or toppings of choice
Prepping and Assembling the Pizza
- In a medium bowl mix yeast, honey or sugar, and 1 cup warm water. Set aside for 5 minutes so that mixture can activate and form a foam on the surface.
- Add in 4 cups flour and ¾ cup water and mix or knead. Then add the oil gradually as you are kneading.
- Preheat oven to 450F. In a large 13×18 baking sheet spread about half or more of the dough in patches until you cover the whole sheet.
- Meanwhile sauté your ground meat in a skillet with oil of choice. Once the meat has browned, turn heat off. Add the sujuk spice, salt, and mix.
- Begin to assemble your pizza by adding the pizza sauce, sprinkle over it the garlic powder, dried oregano, the cheese, your favorite toppings then add the sujuk ground meat.
- Place in the over for about 15-17 minutes. If needed, broil for about 1 minute. Slice up and enjoy!
Other Enjoyable Recipes You Must Try
- Grilled Lime and Cilantro Shrimp
- Lemon Mint Garlic Chicken Stew
- Healthy Pasta Salad and Dressing
- Cilantro Chicken Egg Rolls
- Sujuk Fatteh or Fattet Sujuk
- Sujuk Spice Recipe
- Easy Grilled Chicken Sub Sandwich
- Lebanese Veggie Pizza (Pie)
- Ten Minute All-Purpose Dough
- Meat Pies- Lahme Bi Ajeen
Quick Spicy Beef (Sujuk) Pizza
Ingredients
Sujuk Meat
- ½ pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sujuk spice
- cayenne pepper optional
- salt to taste
Pizza Toppings
- mozzarella cheese
- pizza or pasta sauce
- garlic powder
- dried oregano
- mushrooms
- black olives
- or toppings of choice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl mix yeast, honey or sugar, and 1 cup warm water. Set aside for 5 minutes so that mixture can activate and form a foam on the surface.
- Add in 4 cups flour and ¾ cup water and mix or knead. Then add the oil gradually as you are kneading until dough has formed. Cover with kitchen towel and set aside for 15 minutes
- Preheat oven to 450F. In a large 13×18 baking sheet spread about half or more of the dough in patches until you cover the whole sheet.
- Meanwhile sauté your ground meat in a skillet with oil of choice. Once the meat has browned, turn heat off. Add the sujuk spice, salt, and mix.
- Begin to assemble your pizza by adding the pizza sauce, sprinkle over it the garlic powder, dried oregano, the cheese, your favorite toppings then add the sujuk ground meat.
- Place in the over for about 15-17 minutes. If needed, broil for about 1 minute. Slice up and enjoy!
Sarah says
This looks super savory delicious! Wanna try it tonight
Lama says
let me know how you like it!