Budget-Friendly Loaded Italian Sausage Pizza

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Allow the oven to fully preheat so the pizza cooks evenly. A steady 400 degrees helps melt the cheese smoothly while giving the crust a lightly crisped underside without burning. Starting with a hot oven also helps the toppings heat through quickly.
2. Prepare the sausage. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage links and crumble the meat into a skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains. Break the sausage into small, even pieces as it cooks so it spreads easily across the pizza later. Once done, let it drain briefly if any excess grease is present.
3. Assemble the pizza. Place the five-cheese pizza on a baking sheet or directly on the oven-safe surface you prefer. Evenly scatter the thinly sliced onion over the top, allowing the slices to naturally separate so they cook consistently. Add the chopped black olives, distributing them so each slice gets a flavorful mix. Sprinkle the cooked sausage across the pizza, making sure not to overload any one area so the cheese melts evenly. Finally, top everything with the full 2 cups of mozzarella, creating a thick, indulgent layer that melts into the toppings as it bakes.
4. Bake for 17 minutes. Transfer the assembled pizza into the preheated 400-degree oven. Bake for approximately 17 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling slightly, and lightly golden in spots. The crust should feel crisp on the bottom while still tender in the center. If your oven runs hot or cool, you may find a slight adjustment needed, but 17 minutes is the target for this style of pizza.
5. Slice and serve. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two so the cheese settles slightly, making slicing easier. The finished pizza should be generously topped, aromatic, and satisfying — a hearty, homemade alternative that captures all the comfort of takeout without the high price tag.

Serving and Budget Notes

This loaded pizza is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, when the cheese is soft and stretchy and the toppings are warm and fragrant. With the price landing somewhere between $13 and $14 total, it’s a smart, filling meal that tastes richer than its cost. It proves that you don’t have to spend big to enjoy something delicious — just a little creativity and thoughtful topping goes a long way.