Easy Chili Cheese Pizza

Easy Chili Cheese Pizza is a flavorful mash-up of my award winning chili and classic pizza. Chili spiced beef makes the perfect topping for pizza. Comes together quickly and tastes incredible!

If you’re a fan of both pizza and chili, I’ve got the ultimate mash-up for you—Chili Cheese Pizza! 

Combining the hearty flavors of a classic chili with the cheesy goodness of pizza, this recipe brings two of my beloved comfort foods together in one easy, delicious dish. 

Not toot my own horn, but my chili is the BEST! Don’t sleep on my Ultimate Chili. Seriously. The reason it’s an 11/10 is because of the spice mix. It has spice with a little warm heat and is well balanced. A few other chili recipes worthy of a go: Steak Fajita Chili, One-Pot Chili Mac & Cheese, and Easy Chili Cheese Stuffed Peppers.   

Whether you’re looking for something new for a family dinner or a quick meal to satisfy your game-day cravings, Chili Cheese Pizza is a winner.

Ingredients Used to Make Easy Chili Cheese Pizza

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. You can use leftover chili or even canned chili if you’re in a pinch, making it a great way to use up leftovers. Plus, with a pre-made pizza crust or dough, this meal comes together in no time. Below are the ingredients you need for success! 

• Homemade or store bought pizza dough
• Pizza sauce
• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt and ground pepper
• Green pepper
• Yellow onion
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Celery Seed
• Smoked paprika
• Shredded Cheese

How to Make Easy Chili Cheese Pizza

Flavorful meal in minutes! Follow the directions below for a melt in your mouth meal! 

• Preheat an oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. 
• Next, preheat a skillet to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, kosher salt and pepper to the skillet Cook the beef until no longer pink about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate. 
• In the same skillet preheated to medium-high heat, add olive oil, green pepper, onions, garlic, kosher salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook the veggies until softened about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef back to the skillet followed by spices. Toss to combine everything. You will want to add a ¼ cup of water to the skillet to all the sauce to combine. 
• Rollout your dough on the baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough leaving a 1-inch border. Top the sauce with the ground beef mixture followed by shredded cheese. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or the cheese has turned golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve!

Tips for Cooking Chili Cheese Pizza 

• Use a sturdy crust: Since chili is heavier than traditional pizza sauce, make sure your pizza crust is strong enough to support the toppings. A thicker, pre-baked crust works best.
• Drain excess liquid from the chili: Too much liquid can make the pizza soggy, so be sure to use a thicker chili or drain off excess liquid before topping your pizza.
• Go easy on the toppings: With all the flavorful ingredients, you don’t need to overload the pizza. A balanced amount of chili and cheese is key to keeping the crust crisp.

Variations of Chili Cheese Pizza 

Chili Cheese Pizza is a versatile dish that lends itself to all kinds of delicious customization. Whether you want to add some heat, make it vegetarian, or take it in a gourmet direction, here are several creative variations to inspire your next pizza night:

Spicy Jalapeño Chili Cheese Pizza

• How to Make It: Add sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños to the pizza before baking. For extra heat, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
• Why It Works: The heat from the jalapeños pairs beautifully with the savory chili and melted cheese, adding a bold, spicy kick.

Vegetarian Chili Cheese Pizza

• How to Make It: Use a vegetarian chili made with beans, lentils, or meat substitutes like tofu crumbles or plant-based ground meat. Top with lots of veggies like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
• Why It Works: Vegetarian chili is just as hearty and flavorful as the meat-based version, and the added vegetables bring extra texture and color to the pizza.

BBQ Chili Cheese Pizza

• How to Make It: Replace the pizza sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky twist. Add chili on top, then sprinkle with cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Garnish with red onions and cilantro.
• Why It Works: The tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spicy chili and melted cheese, creating a fun BBQ-inspired pizza.

Chili Mac and Cheese Pizza

• How to Make It: Combine chili with cooked macaroni and use that as the base topping. Cover with cheese and bake as usual. You can even add extra shredded cheese on top for that true mac and cheese feel.
• Why It Works: If you love comfort food, this pizza mashup of chili mac and cheese with pizza is a dream come true! The macaroni adds a creamy, cheesy twist, making the pizza extra indulgent.
•  cause condensation, which may lead to sogginess and bacterial growth.

Proper Storing 

Store in an Airtight Container: Place the pizza in an airtight container or resealable freezer bags. 

Refrigeration: Store the pizza in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. 

Freezing (for longer storage): If you want to store the pizza for longer than 4 days, freeze it. Wrapped slices or whole pizza can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe bag or container and label it with the date.

Reheating

For refrigerated pizza: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in a skillet for a crispier crust. You can also use a microwave for a quicker option, but this may soften the crust.

For frozen pizza: Allow the pizza to thaw slightly in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake it directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.