1. To make pizza crust, combine warm water and salt in a mixing bowl. Add about 1.5 cups of the flour along with the yeast and stir. Add remaining flour and knead into a smooth dough (add enough flour, beyond the 2.5 cups if necessary). Knead for 5-10 minutes and then set aside, covered, in a warm place.**

If you have a bread machine or stand mixer, this process is even easier. Use the dough cycle (bread machine) or dough hook (stand mixer) to knead the water, salt, flour, and yeast until a smooth dough is formed. Cover and set in a warm place (or allow the dough cycle on your bread machine to continue to run). See this post for more info about using a bread machine for dough.

2. Fry ground beef with garlic and onion. Drain well. Return to pan and stir in the salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and some hot sauce. set aside.

3. Liberally butter a 16-inch round pizza pan. With buttery hands, spread dough evenly on pan. Mix the pizza sauce and salsa together and spread over crust.

4. Sprinkle meat over sauce; evenly spread cheese over meat and then add olives, green onions, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese (if using). Allow pizza to rest for at least 10 minutes, but up to 30 minutes before baking. (A longer rest will produce a fluffier crust.)

5. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bake pizza for 10-12 minutes, depending on the kind of pizza pan and your oven. I've found that it's best to use the bottom rack of the oven for a thicker/heavier pizza pan (like stainless steel) and the top shelf for a thinner pan (like non-stick or a perforated pizza pan). See more tips on making perfect homemade pizza here!

6. When pizza is done, remove from oven and let set for ~5 minutes. Slice into 12 slices and serve hot!