Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 75 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6 g)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) jarred pizza sauce, divided
  • 1 tsp (2 g) Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp (3 g) kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) black pepper
  • 2 tbsp (10 g) finely grated Parmesan (optional)
  • 4 tbsp (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 small clove garlic, finely grated
  • 4 English muffins, split (8 halves)
  • 1.5 cups (170 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • 2 oz (55 g) sliced turkey pepperoni, about 24 slices (optional)
  • 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano, for finishing

Instructions:

  1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and split the English muffins. Set an oven rack about 6 inches (15 cm) below the broiler and preheat the broiler on high. Mix the melted butter with the grated garlic in a small bowl.
  2. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it into crumbles. Leave it undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, until the bottom edges turn deep golden brown.
  3. Stir the beef and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, until no pink remains and it reaches 160°F (71°C) inside.
  4. Drain off all but about 1 tbsp of the fat onto a paper towel-lined plate. Add the onion and cook 3 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the pizza sauce, the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2 minutes, until thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, if using.
  6. Arrange the muffin halves cut side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush each cut side generously with the garlic butter. Broil 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the edges are golden and lightly crisp.
  7. Microwave the remaining 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce for 20 seconds. Spread about 1 tbsp on each toasted muffin half. Spoon a heaping 2 tbsp of the beef mixture on top of each half.
  8. Divide the mozzarella evenly over each half, then add turkey pepperoni slices if using. Broil 2 to 3 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbling and freckled with brown spots.
  9. Sprinkle with the dried oregano and let rest 1 minute before serving.