Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground Italian sausage) (450g)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (1 medium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 cloves)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (410g)
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (170g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (2.5 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (1.25 ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (to taste)
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (225g)
  • 4 ounces pepperoni, sliced (110g)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (30 ml)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional) (to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
  4. Divide the meat sauce evenly among 4 serving bowls.
  5. Sprinkle each bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and black olives.
  6. For a bubbly, browned cheese topping, place the bowls under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.