Copycat Papa Murphy’s Cowboy Pizza Recipe at Home

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Papa Murphy’s Cowboy Pizza Copycat Recipe


Copycat Papa Murphy’s Cowboy pizza on parchment with pepperoni, bacon, beef, mushrooms, and thin potato slices.
Bake up that smoky, cheesy Cowboy Pizza flavor at home with crisp-edged crust, savory meats, mushrooms, and tender potato slices in every bite.

If you love a hearty meat-and-potato pizza, this Papa Murphy’s Cowboy Pizza copycat recipe is about to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It has everything people crave in one slice: smoky bacon, savory ground beef, pepperoni, melty mozzarella, earthy mushrooms, and those thin potato slices on top that make it stand out from the usual pizza night lineup.

This homemade version is built for the home kitchen. It uses simple ingredients, easy steps, and common tools, so you can recreate that loaded, comforting, take-and-bake style pizza without leaving the house.

If you’ve ever wanted to make a copycat Cowboy Pizza recipe at home, let’s do it.

Why People Love Papa Murphy’s and the Cowboy Pizza

Papa Murphy’s is known across the USA for its take-and-bake pizza concept. Instead of baking pizzas in-store, they make them fresh for customers to bake at home. That gives their pizzas a just-baked feel, with a crust that comes out hot, golden, and fresh from your own oven.

The Cowboy Pizza has become one of their most talked-about menu items because it’s big on flavor and texture. It’s not just another meat pizza. The combination of crumbled sausage-style beef, crispy bacon, pepperoni, mushrooms, and sliced potatoes makes each bite rich, smoky, cheesy, and satisfying. The potatoes turn tender while the edges get lightly golden, almost like the best part of breakfast potatoes landed on a pizza. It’s cozy, filling, and a little unexpected in the best way.

Important note: “Papa Murphy’s” is a brand name, so this is a copycat-inspired recipe made to capture the taste and feel of the dish at home. This post is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Papa Murphy’s, and it does not claim to be the original recipe.

What This Copycat Cowboy Pizza Tastes Like

Imagine pulling a pizza from the oven and hearing that soft sizzle from the cheese and toppings. The crust is lightly crisp on the bottom and tender inside. The red sauce adds a little sweetness and tang. Then come the layers: salty bacon, bold pepperoni, juicy seasoned beef, soft mushrooms, stretchy mozzarella, and those thin potato slices that soak up flavor like little sponges.

It’s like a mash-up of pizza night and a loaded country breakfast, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes 1 large pizza, about 8 slices. It serves 4 to 6 people, depending on appetite and side dishes.

  • 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for stretching the dough
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 20 to 24 slices pepperoni
  • 1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 small russet potato, scrubbed and sliced very thin
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil, for the potatoes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, for the potatoes
  • Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Helpful tool: A mandoline slicer makes the potato slices very thin and even, but a sharp knife works too. Just slice carefully.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 to 20 minutes
  • Total time: About 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4 to 6

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

These numbers are approximate and will vary based on dough brand, sauce, cheese, and topping amounts.

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 980mg

How to Make Papa Murphy’s Cowboy Pizza at Home

Don’t worry if homemade pizza sounds like a lot. This is very doable, even if you’re new to it. Just take it one step at a time.

  1. Preheat the oven.
    Preheat your oven to 425°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. If not, a regular baking sheet or pizza pan works just fine.
  2. Cook the beef.
    Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes.

    Food safety tip: Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Drain off any extra grease and set the beef aside.
  3. Cook the bacon.
    Cook the bacon in a skillet or in the oven until crisp. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
  4. Prep the potato slices.
    Slice the potato very thin. This matters. Thick potato slices may stay too firm on the pizza. Toss the slices with 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

    If you want extra insurance that they cook through, microwave the potato slices on a plate for 2 to 3 minutes first. I do this when I’m in a hurry, and it works beautifully.
  5. Shape the dough.
    Lightly oil your hands and a pizza pan, baking sheet, or piece of parchment paper. Stretch or roll the dough into a large round, about 12 to 14 inches wide. If the dough keeps shrinking back, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.
  6. Add the sauce.
    Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge for the crust.
  7. Add the cheese.
    Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the sauce. This helps anchor the toppings so they don’t slide around.
  8. Layer the toppings.
    Scatter the cooked ground beef over the cheese. Add the crumbled bacon, pepperoni, and sliced mushrooms. Finally, arrange the potato slices across the top in a thin, even layer. Slight overlap is okay.
  9. Bake the pizza.
    Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the potato slices look tender and lightly browned on the edges.
  10. Rest before slicing.
    Remove the pizza from the oven and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. This gives the cheese time to settle a bit, which makes slicing easier.
  11. Garnish and serve.
    Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley if you want a little fresh contrast. Slice and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Copycat Cowboy Pizza

  • Slice the potatoes thin. This is the biggest key to success.
  • Pre-cook the beef and bacon. That keeps the pizza from getting greasy.
  • Use whole milk mozzarella if you can. It melts better and gives that classic pizza pull.
  • Don’t overload the sauce. Too much can make the center soggy.
  • Let the dough come to room temperature before stretching. Cold dough fights back.

Easy Shortcuts for Busy Weeknights

Need dinner on the table fast? I get it. Some nights are less “from scratch” and more “please let this be easy.” Here are a few smart shortcuts.

  • Use store-bought pizza dough. No shame there.
  • Use pre-cooked bacon to save time.
  • Buy pre-shredded mozzarella if that’s what you have.
  • Microwave the potato slices before topping the pizza so they cook faster.
  • Use a sheet pan instead of shaping a perfect round pizza.

If you want an even simpler version, make it as a French bread pizza or on naan flatbread. The flavor is still there, and dinner gets much easier.

Allergy-Friendly and Diet Preference Swaps

This is where home cooking really shines. You can tweak this Cowboy Pizza copycat recipe to fit your needs without losing the spirit of the dish.

  • Gluten-Free:
    Use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust. Make sure your pepperoni, bacon, and sauce are labeled gluten-free too, since hidden additives can sneak in.
  • Dairy-Free:
    Use a dairy-free mozzarella-style shredded cheese. Pick one that melts well. You can also use a light sprinkle rather than a heavy layer if your dairy-free cheese tends to get gummy.
  • Egg-Free:
    This recipe is naturally egg-free in many cases, but always check your dough label if using store-bought dough.
  • Vegetarian:
    Skip the beef, bacon, and pepperoni. Add plant-based meat crumbles, vegetarian pepperoni, or extra mushrooms and onions. A little smoked paprika can help bring back that smoky flavor.
  • Vegan:
    Use vegan dough, vegan cheese, and plant-based meat toppings. Choose a vegan pepperoni and bacon alternative if you enjoy those flavors.
  • Lower Carb:
    Try a low-carb pizza crust or make it as a pizza bowl with the sauce, cheese, meats, mushrooms, and thin-cooked potatoes kept very light or omitted.
  • Paleo-Inspired:
    Use a grain-free crust, sugar-free pizza sauce, and compliant bacon and pepperoni. Skip the cheese or use a paleo-friendly alternative depending on your approach.
  • Less Processed Version:
    Use homemade dough, freshly shredded cheese, uncured pepperoni, nitrate-free bacon, and a simple tomato sauce with no added sugar.

If you cook for a family with different needs, you can even split the pizza in half and top each side differently. That trick has saved many pizza nights in my house.

What to Serve with Cowboy Pizza

This pizza is rich and filling, so lighter side dishes work well.

  • Simple green salad with ranch or Italian dressing
  • Caesar salad
  • Raw veggies with dip
  • Fresh fruit for something cool and sweet
  • Roasted broccoli or green beans if you want a warm side

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in oven: Warm at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes for the best texture.
  • Reheat in air fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Microwave: It works, but the crust will be softer.

Food safety tip: Reheat leftovers to 165°F before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use potatoes on the pizza?
They’re a big part of what makes this pizza taste like a Cowboy Pizza, so I recommend them. But if you’re not a fan, you can leave them off.

Can I use sausage instead of ground beef?
Yes. Some home cooks like using seasoned ground sausage for even more flavor. It changes the profile a bit, but it’s still delicious.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. You can cook the beef and bacon and slice the mushrooms and potatoes ahead of time. Then assemble and bake when ready.

Why are my potatoes still firm?
Most likely, they were sliced too thick. Try thinner slices next time, or microwave them briefly before adding them to the pizza.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Papa Murphy’s Cowboy Pizza copycat is one of those recipes that feels a little fun and a little familiar at the same time. It has classic pizza comfort, but the potato topping gives it something extra. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and easy to adjust based on what you have at home.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic, or add your own twist? Leave a comment and share your version. And if you know someone who loves loaded meat pizza, send this recipe their way.

Disclaimer

This is a copycat recipe created for home cooks and is inspired by a popular menu item from Papa Murphy’s. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of any proprietary or confidential recipe is implied. This post is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Papa Murphy’s.

Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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