Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion
When it comes to comfort food, why choose between pizza and burgers when you can have both? This Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines the best of both worlds. With layers of savory ground beef, rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all baked inside a golden pizza dough crust, this dish is perfect for family dinners, game-day parties, or any occasion that calls for something epic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Combines two all-time favorites—pizza and burgers—in one dish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests.
- Easy Prep: Simple ingredients and quick assembly make this a go-to dinner option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pie Base:
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup sliced bell peppers
- ¼ cup sliced pickles
For the Crust:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a pie dish by rolling out the pizza dough to fit the bottom and sides.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Pizza Burger Pie
- Press the pizza dough into the pie dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
- Spread the cooked beef over the dough to create the base layer.
- Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the beef.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, pickles, and crumbled bacon if desired.
- Finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake the Pie
- Brush the edges of the pizza dough with olive oil for a golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Slice and Serve
- Allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory layers in every bite!
Tips for Perfect Pizza Burger Pie
- Crust Perfection: Use parchment paper for easy removal and less sticking.
- Customize Your Toppings: Swap out pepperoni for sausage, or add veggies like spinach or jalapeños.
- Make It Spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.
- Even Layers: Spread toppings evenly for consistent flavor in every slice.
Variations to Try
- BBQ Style: Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add grilled chicken or pulled pork.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meat and load up on veggies like zucchini, olives, and cherry tomatoes.
- Double the Cheese: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for extra gooeyness.
Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dish: Serve with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic breadsticks.
- Beverage: Pair with a cold soda, beer, or iced tea.
- Dessert: End the meal with a warm brownie or tiramisu for a sweet finish.
Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion