Valentino’s Hamburger Pizza – A Nebraska Favorite

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Born and raised in Southeast Nebraska, I have been eating Valentino’s hamburger pizza since I was a small child. Whether it is Mother’s Day, a birthday, or I just want great pizza, Valentino’s is the place to go. When family and friends come to visit, Valentino’s is always on their list of places to eat — along with Tastee Inn & Out and Runza. My mom somehow managed to get her hands on the ‘secret’ recipe. Thanks to her, we can all enjoy Valentino’s pizza in our homes even if home is on the coast or in another country.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 envelope yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups sifted flour

Sauce:

• 8 oz. can tomato sauce
• 8 oz. can tomato paste
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• 1/4 tsp rosemary
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 bay leaf

Toppings:

• 1 lb. hamburger
• 1/2 chopped onion
• 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz. shredded monterey jack cheese

Preparation

Crust:

Stir yeast and warm water together. Let sit for 2 minutes. Add sugar. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes. Add 1/3 cup water, olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix well. Knead dough and let rise for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Sauce:

Heat tomato sauce and paste in microwave. Add spices. Simmer then let cool.

Toppings:

Brown hamburger on the stove. Drain off the grease. Add chopped onion and saute with the meat.

Build Your Pizza:

Grease 12 x 16 baking sheet. Roll out dough. Let rise 10 minutes. Add sauce, hamburger, and cheese. Bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. Let cool for 2 minutes before cutting.

Valentino’s pizza makes excellent leftovers. Try adding your own toppings. When my mom would make this pizza, we each chose 2 toppings and the pizza was divided into thirds. Enjoy!