Ingredients

4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided

1 pound bone-in short ribs

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 small head garlic, halved

4 cups beef or vegetable stock

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1 sprig fresh thyme

2 cups yellow onion, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

8 to 10 ounces prepared pizza dough (any preferred style), room temperature for at least 1 hour

Unbleached all-purpose flour, for dusting

3 tablespoons Simple Pizza Sauce

½ cup shredded smoked Gouda

2 tablespoons scallions, white and green parts, sliced on a bias

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the ribs and halved garlic to the pot, ensuring the cut garlic faces down to sear. Brown the ribs on all sides.

Step 2: Pour in the beef or vegetable stock, then add rosemary and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer partially covered for 2½ to 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Let cool completely before shredding the ribs. Set aside.

Step 3: In a medium skillet, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low and cook the onions for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until caramelized and browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Preheat your pizza oven with a pizza stone to 700°F (or the highest temperature your home oven allows with a pizza stone inside).

Step 6: Stretch the pizza dough into a 10- to 12-inch round. Dust a pizza peel generously with flour and transfer the dough onto it.

Step 7: Spread the Simple Pizza Sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded smoked Gouda over the sauce, then top with the shredded short ribs and caramelized onions.

Step 9: Shake the pizza gently on the peel to ensure it isn’t sticking. If it is, lift and sprinkle more flour underneath.

Step 10: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 5 minutes, then check for desired doneness. If needed, bake for an additional 1 minute. Remove the pizza with the peel and place it on a cutting board.

Step 11: Garnish the pizza with sliced scallions. Slice and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce before spreading it on the dough.

You can substitute smoked Gouda with smoked mozzarella or fontina for a different cheesy twist.

To save time, prepare the short ribs a day ahead and refrigerate; flavors improve after resting.

If you don’t have a pizza oven, bake on the highest rack of a conventional oven preheated with a pizza stone for best results.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless short ribs can be used and will cook faster. Adjust cooking time accordingly until meat is tender and shreddable.

What can I substitute for Simple Pizza Sauce if I don’t have the recipe?

You can use store-bought pizza or marinara sauce as a convenient alternative. For a quick homemade version, blend canned tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, salt, and Italian herbs.